Game with chance element and strategy component that can be copied

ABSTRACT

In various embodiments, a first player may follow the same pattern of betting used by a second player.

CROSS REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.13/959,014 filed Aug. 5, 2013 which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 11/846,696, filed Aug. 29, 2007 (now U.S. Pat. No.8,500,533 issued on Aug. 6, 2013), which are hereby incorporated byreference herein in their entireties.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows a system according to some embodiments.

FIG. 2 shows a casino server according to some embodiments.

FIG. 3 shows a terminal for use by a secondary player, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 4 shows a gaming device according to some embodiments.

FIG. 5 shows a monitoring device (e.g., camera, card reader) accordingto some embodiments.

FIG. 6 shows a database entry including various information about a game(e.g., date, time, outcome, player, bet amount)

FIG. 7 shows a database entry including various games played by aplayer.

FIG. 8 shows a touch screen display for entering betting information andtracking the progress of a game, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 9 shows a touch screen display for entering betting information andtracking the progress of a game, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 10 shows a tabular display with information about various games,according to some embodiments.

FIG. 11 shows a gaming environment, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 12 shows a gaming environment, according to some embodiments.

FIG. 13 shows information about gaming devices, according to someembodiments.

FIG. 14 shows a terminal according to some embodiments.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In various embodiments, a secondary player may include a person whoplaces bets on the games of other people (primary players) but does notdirectly participate in the game himself. The secondary player may thusbe remote from the place where a game is actually played. The secondaryplayer may nevertheless view information about the game, such as from avideo feed. A secondary player may also play in games of his own usingthe outcomes generated at the games of primary players.

In various embodiments, a player, such as a secondary player, may engagein gaming activities using a station, workstation, or terminal that hasmultiple displays. The displays may be monitors. The displays mayinclude liquid crystal displays (LCDs), plasma screens, cathode ray tubedisplays, or any other displays. The terminal may include various othercomponents. One or more keyboards may include buttons, touch pads, orother devices for receiving inputs from a secondary player. The keyboardmay have dedicated keys with certain functions, such as shortcutfunctions. The terminal may include an audio communication channel, suchas a telephone, an internet connection that supports voice, or any othercommunications channel. The terminal may include one or more touchscreens. Touch screens may correspond to display screens. FIG. 14 showsa terminal, according to various embodiments.

-   1. Changing sizes of windows or feeds. In various embodiments,    display screens of a terminal may display windows. A window may be a    geometrical region of a display screen that shows related    information within the region. For example, a window may show    information about a particular game, such as a game from a    particular primary player or from a particular slot machine. The    window may be rectangular or some other shape. The window may be    resized, such as to fill an entire display screen or to fill even    more than one display screen. A window may also be resized to a    relatively small size. Windows may be closed completely. New windows    (e.g., windows showing information about a new type of game) may be    opened. Windows may be stacked on top of one another. Windows may    have various other relationships. Each window may have a different    type of information. Each window, for example, may show information    from the game of a different primary player. A window may feature    games from a particular gaming device. A window may feature games    from a particular game table. A window may feature statistics from    around the casino (e.g., which are the top performing gaming    devices; e.g., who is the fastest dealer; e.g., what is the longest    winning streak in a game of roulette). A window may feature sports    scores. A window may feature video feeds, such as video of a    sporting event, video of a primary player, video of game table, or    any other video. A window may feature game simulations, such as    simulated reenactments of games.    -   1.1. Customized Window Arrangement. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may have the opportunity to create or open new        windows, to resize windows, and to move windows around. The        secondary player may also have the opportunity to alter other        properties of a window, such as its border color, background        color, title bar, or any other properties. A secondary player        may thus come to arrive at an arrangement of windows which he        finds convenient, comfortable, or otherwise preferable. The        secondary player's preferred arrangement of windows, including        his preferred windows and/or preferred information to have in        windows may be stored. The preferred arrangement may be stored        with a terminal, with the casino server, or with the secondary        player (e.g., in a portable flash drive or other medium in the        possession of the secondary player). A given secondary player        may thus leave a terminal and allow other secondary players to        use the terminal, where each of the other secondary players has        different preferences for window arrangements. The given        secondary player may return to the terminal and have his        preferred window arrangement automatically called up onto the        display screens of the terminal.        -   A preferred window arrangement may include a specification            of which windows a secondary player wants to view. For            example, a secondary player may wish to view a window which            shows a video feed from a particular craps table, another            window which shows game outcomes form a particular bank of            slot machines, another window which shows the secondary            player's own credit balance and winnings history, another            window which shows the top 50 primary players (in terms of            net winnings over the last hour) who are currently playing            in the casino, and another window which shows movies. A            preferred window arrangement may include a specification of            the position windows should take within one or more display            screens of a terminal. For example, a first window and            second window may go in a first display screen, a third            window may take up an entire second display screen, a fourth            window may occupy another two display screens, and a fifth,            sixth and seventh windows may share another display screen.            A preferred window arrangement may also include a            specification of the position of windows within particular            display screens. For example, a first window may be            positioned in the top half of a display screen, a second            window may be positioned in the lower left hand quadrant of            the display screen, and a third window may be positioned in            the lower right hand quadrant of the display screen.        -   In various embodiments, a terminal may include a button,            key, or other input device which allows a secondary player            to store his preferred window arrangement. The secondary            player may press the button to store the arrangement. The            secondary player may further provide a name for the            arrangement. Thus, the secondary player may have the ability            to store multiple arrangements, each under different names.            When the secondary player first sits down at a terminal, the            secondary player may present identifying information, such            as by presenting a player tracking card (e.g., inserting the            player tracking card into a card reader of the terminal).            The terminal may then display a message for the secondary            player asking if the secondary player would like to load a            preferred window arrangement. The secondary player may be            shown a list of saved window arrangements. The secondary            player may then select one arrangement from the list, and            the arrangement may be recreated for the secondary player.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify a            preferred window arrangement using a device other than a            terminal. For example, a secondary player may configure a            preferred window arrangement on his home computer. The home            computer may display, for example, a simulation of the            terminal. The player may then create simulated windows and            arrange the simulated windows in a preferred arrangement.            The player may store such preferred arrangement with the            casino server for example. When the secondary player            subsequently visits a terminal (e.g., at a casino), the            secondary player may load his preferred window arrangement            into a terminal.-   2. The hardware. A terminal may include one or more displays.    Displays may be mounted on movable arms. For example, each display    may be mounted on its own adjustable arm. Thus, the display may be    repositioned by a secondary player to suit his viewing preferences.    A secondary player may position multiple displays in order to arrive    at his preferred arrangement. For example, a secondary player may    arrange four displays so that they are stacked vertically, so that    they form a horizontal row of displays, or so that they form a two    by two grid, for example. In various embodiments, displays may be    mounted in fixed relation to one another. For example, six displays    may be fixed to a rigid, concave metal structure, so that together    they form a “C” shape around a secondary player. A terminal may    include one or more keyboards. A keyboard may include the “qwerty”    arrangement of keys, or may include some other key arrangement. A    keyboard may have keys with specific functions related to gaming. A    terminal may include other buttons or input devices. A terminal may    include a computer processor, computer memory, a communications port    for communicating with a network, an antenna or other transceiver    for communicating wirelessly, a card reader (e.g., a magnetic stripe    card reader; e.g., an RFID reader), audio output devices (e.g.,    speakers, e.g., headphones), audio input devices (e.g., microphones,    e.g., telephone handsets), a chair or bench, a desk, a radio (e.g.,    a radio for listening to broadcast sports events), and any other    pertinent devices. A terminal may further include components for    gaming directly at the terminal. A terminal may include a built-in    gaming device or may function as a gaming device. For example, a    terminal may include coin and bill acceptors, a random number    generator, buttons for placing bets, a coin dispenser, a coin tray,    a printer, a ticket-in-ticket-out (TITO) printer, a TITO reader,    mechanical reels, and/or hardware for conducting a bonus game (e.g.,    a terminal may include a physical wheel for conducting the bonus    round of a Wheel-of-Fortune game). A terminal may include software    with various functions. Game software may allow a person to play as    a primary player, e.g., to play a game directly at the terminal.    Some software may also provide an interface for a secondary player    to place bets on games played elsewhere, e.g., games played by    primary players. Software may further include software for    displaying video feeds, such as feeds from sporting events or the    games of primary players. Software may further include software for    displaying outcomes generated in games played elsewhere. Software    may further include software for allowing communication between the    terminal and a network, such as the Internet, a cellular phone    network, and/or a telephone network. Software may further include    any other software for operating the terminal or associated devices    in accordance with various embodiments.    -   2.1. Displays are stacked. Displays are movable with respect to        one another. In some embodiments, displays are all attached to a        single rigid body. The body may include a desk, a stand, or a        housing which encloses computer hardware used to operate the        terminal. The displays may be attached to the body via jointed        or flexible arms. For example, a display may be attached to the        body via a metal arm with a joint in it. A person may be able to        adjust the position of a display by pulling or pushing on it,        thereby flexing or contracting the metal arm holding the        display. A display may be mounted on a rotatable joint so that        it may be oriented facing up or down, facing to one side or the        other, or any combination of the above. In some embodiments,        displays may be attached to one another. For example, two square        displays may be connected at a side by a hinge. Thus, the        displays may be folded to face more towards each other or more        away from one another. In various embodiments, displays may be        attached to a backboard or other rigid body. Their position may        be relatively fixed, but their orientation may be adjustable. In        various embodiments, displays may be flexible. Thus, a secondary        player may bend a display. For example, a large flexible display        may be bent to form a semicircle around a secondary player. In        some embodiments, displays may be transparent or translucent.        One display may be positioned in front of another display. Thus,        the player may be able to see some of both displays in the same        field of vision.    -   2.2. Position of displays can be saved. In various embodiments,        a player at a terminal may save or record a particular        arrangement of displays, keyboards, or other hardware. The        arrangement may be stored with the terminal or with the casino        server, for example. When a player returns to a terminal after        an absence, or if the player comes to a new terminal, the        player's stored settings may be recovered. The hardware of the        terminal may then be brought into position automatically. For        example, arms holding displays may be motorized and under        computer control. The motors may thus be operated in such a        manner as to bring the displays into the preferred arrangement        of the player.    -   2.3. Displays functioning as one. In some embodiments, two or        more displays may function as a single display. A graphic,        window, or other image may begin on one display and continue on        another display. A player may be able to move a window from one        display screen onto another in a seamless motion. For example, a        player may be able to use a mouse to drag a window from one        display screen to an adjacent screen. In some embodiments,        screens or the supporting structures for screens may include        position sensors. For example, the joints on the arms supporting        screens may include sensors for detecting the angles in the        joints. Based on angles of the joints, software may be used to        calculate the positions of the screens. Based on the positions        of the displays, it may be determined which displays are near to        each other or next to each other, and thus it may be determined        how a single image should be displayed on multiple displays. For        example, parts of the image that are adjacent to one another        should be displayed on adjacent screens.    -   2.4. Special keyboards. A terminal may include one or more        keyboards, keypads, buttons, or other input devices. Certain        keys may have specific functions.        -   2.4.1. Functions of keys. A key may be used to open up a            specific line of communication (e.g., to another player,            e.g., to a casino representative), to call up a video feed            for viewing, to call up information about a game for viewing            (e.g., what is the current outcome, e.g., what were the last            five outcomes), to call up a broadcast for viewing or            listening, or for any other function. In various            embodiments, a key may have a function as a preprogrammed or            default function. In various embodiments, a key may be            configured or programmed to perform a function. For example,            a secondary player may configure a key to open up a line of            communication with a specific friend of the secondary            player.        -   2.4.2. Lines of communication. A key (e.g., a button) may            open up a line of communication. The line of communication            may be one-way, two-way, or multi-way. The line of            communication may take the form of audio, text, video, or            any combination of audio, text, and video. A key may open up            a line of communication between the secondary player and            another person, such as a friend of the secondary player or            a casino representative.            -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may configure a                key to open a line of communication to a specific                person. The secondary player may provide the name of the                specific person, an identifier for the specific person                (e.g., a player tracking card number) or any other                information about the other person. The secondary player                may visit a special window where a list of keys or                buttons is provided, and the player is given the chance                to enter names of people that he wishes to contact with                the press of a button. A key or button may have a small                display associated with it. On the display may appear                the name of the person or the party with whom a line of                communication is opened once the button is pressed. For                example, once a secondary player has entered the name                “Joe Smith” of his friend, the name “Joe Smith” may be                displayed on or near a button. This may remind the                secondary player that the particular button will open up                a line of communication with Joe Smith.            -   In various embodiments, a key or button may open a line                of communication with a casino representative. The                secondary player may press such a button to order a                drink, order food, request service to the terminal,                request payment for jackpot, of for any other purpose.                The secondary player may also initiate contact with a                casino representative for information unrelated to a                specific game. For example, the secondary player may                wish to make a reservation a restaurant, may wish to                find out when a restaurant closes, may wish to purchase                show tickets, or may wish to seek out any other                information or perform any other task.            -   In a one-way line of communication, for example, a                secondary player may receive a video feed, audio feed,                or may receive information in some other format.                Information received may pertain to a game on which the                secondary player is betting (e.g., to a slot machine                game of a primary player playing in some other part of a                casino), to a sports game, to a horse race, to general                weather information, to general information about a                casino (e.g., to when a swimming pool closes), to                general news (e.g., to local news, e.g., to world news),                or to any other activity or events. In various                embodiments, a secondary player may be the one                communicating in a one-way line of communication. The                secondary player may, for example, open up a voice line                to place an order for a drink. The player's request may                be recorded at the other end of the line, and may then                be forwarded to a waiter or waitress in whose area the                secondary player is located.            -   In a two-way line of communication, a player (e.g., a                secondary player), may communicate with another person                (e.g., a friend of the player, e.g., a casino                representative). Video and/or voice from both parties                may be transmitted back and forth via a network, such as                via a casino intranet or such as via the Internet.            -   In some embodiments, a player (e.g., a secondary player)                may be able to open up multiple lines of communication                at once. For example, a secondary player may be speaking                to his friend Joe via one line of two-way voice                communication, to his friend Sam via another line of                two-way voice communication, and to his friend Bill via                a two-way voice and video line of communication. The                secondary player may be able to customize each line of                communication on the fly. For example, the secondary                player may be able to mute two lines of communication so                he can speak to his friend Bill without the other                friends on the line hearing him. The secondary player                may also be able to change a line of communication from                solely audio to audio and video, from video to audio,                from two-way to multi-way, or to alter lines of                communication in any other fashion. For example, a                secondary player may be speaking to three friends, each                over different lines of communication. The secondary                player may be able to merge the lines of communication                so that now the friends can hear and talk to each other                rather than just hear and talk to the secondary player.        -   2.4.3. Keys to specific games. In various embodiments, feeds            containing information about games may be available to a            secondary player. A feed about a game may include a video            feed of a particular game. For example, there may be a video            feed of a high limit baccarat game available. A feed about            game may include a feed with simulated reenactments of a            game. For example, a feed may contain animated slot reels            spinning to reveal an actual outcome that occurred at a slot            machine. A feed about a game may include summary            information. The information may be presented in the form of            text, graphic, or video. The summary information may            include, for example, an indication of an amount bet, an            outcome achieved, an amount won, a number of pay lines            played, which pay lines won, whether a bonus round was            reached, what decisions were made in a bonus round, what            decisions were made in the game at any decision juncture,            and any other pertinent information. A feed may include            video of a primary player. For example, the secondary player            may be able to watch footage of a primary player as he plays            a game. A feed may include footage for active games. For            example, video footage may alternate originating from            several different primary players, depending on who is            currently involved in a game, depending on who currently has            to make a decision in a game, depending on whether a game is            near resolution, and so on.            -   A key may be configured or programmed to always call up                a feed for a particular gaming device. A key may be                configured or programmed to always call up a feed for a                particular gaming table, to always call up a feed for a                particular group of tables (e.g., the feed may show                information about the outcomes of every game at the                group of tables), to always call up a feed for a group                of gaming devices (e.g., the feed may show information                about the outcomes of every game occurring at the group                of gaming devices), to always call up a feed for a                particular area of a casino (e.g., the feed may show                information about the outcomes of every game for the                particular area of the casino), or to call up a feed for                any other group of gaming devices or game tables.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may desire                ready access to information about a certain preferred                game or games. Thus, a single key or button may be                configured to call up, when pressed, information about                the preferred game or games.            -   In various embodiments, when information is called up,                it may be displayed on one of the display screen of the                terminal. Such information may occupy an entire screen,                or it may occupy a portion of a screen, such as window                within a screen.        -   2.4.4. Keys for latest updates. In various embodiments, a            key or button may be pressed by a secondary player to call            up an update about a game, primary player, gaming device,            dealer, or other object, entity, or events in which the            secondary player is interested. For example, a secondary            player may press a key that will caused to be displayed on a            screen the most recent outcomes at a particular blackjack            table. As another example, a secondary player may press a            key that will cause to be displayed on a screen the most            recent outcomes which have occurred across a casino and            which have paid more than $ 200. As another example, a            player may press a key that will cause to be displayed the            ten most recent rolls of the dice at a craps table. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may press a key            which causes an update to be provided. The update may appear            in a window of one of the display screens of the terminal,            for example. The update may disappear after some period of            time, e.g., after 30 seconds. In some embodiments, the            update may remain until the player again presses the key            which brought the update in the first place. The window or            screen showing the update may be continuously updated or may            be static. Thus, in various embodiments, a secondary player            may press a key to get updated information about a table,            player, etc. However, the information may represent a small            snapshot of the latest information and may not represent a            continuous information feed of new information as it            happens.            -   2.4.4.1. Keyboard has different channels. In various                embodiments, a keyboard may have keys, buttons, or                special key combinations which correspond to channels. A                channel may be a broadcast or one-way line of                communication. A channel may present information related                to a particular topic, such as related to a particular                type of game, to a particular type of player (e.g., high                rollers), or to some other subject or topic. A channel                may present video feeds, statistics, game commentary,                strategy information, or any other information.                -   2.4.4.1.1. Video poker channel. In various                    embodiments, a video poker channel may exist. The                    channel may broadcast information about one or more                    video poker games. The channel may present lists of                    final outcomes as they occur throughout a casino.                    For example, the video poker channel may present a                    scrolling list with outcomes, “As 3d 4c Ac Js; 9h 9d                    3s 3c Ks; As Ks Qh Jd 10c . . . ” Such outcomes may                    be outcomes that have occurred most recently at                    video poker games in a casino. A channel may include                    a scrolling list with cards dealt, with payouts won,                    with decisions made, or with any other items of                    information. A channel may include video footage.                    The video footage may switch from one game to                    another. For example, an announcer may say, “Let us                    now go to John's game where he has just been dealt                    three cards to a royal flush . . . ” Video footage                    may then be shown of John's game. At any given                    moment, there may be a number of games that could be                    featured on a channel. Some games might be shown in                    one form or another, such as in the form of a video                    feed, in the form of a text description, or in any                    other form, while some games may not be shown. Games                    that are shown may match one or more criteria. Such                    criteria may include: (a) a game had a high bet; (b)                    a game is being played by a skillful player (e.g.,                    by a player who uses optimal strategy more than 80%                    of the time); (c) a game is being played by a                    primary player who has won more than a certain                    amount of money in the last hour; (d) a game has the                    potential to yield a high paying final outcome                    (e.g., an intermediate outcome has been dealt with                    four cards to a royal flush); (e) a game is played                    by a primary player that is popular (e.g., that has                    been rated highly in surveys of secondary                    players); (f) a game has been bet on by more than a                    predetermined number of secondary players; (g) a                    game has more than a certain amount of money bet on                    it by secondary players; and any other criteria.                -   More specific channels may exist. For example, there                    may be a channel dedicated to $1 video poker, to                    multi-hand video poker, to video poker games played                    in Las Vegas, to video poker games played in the                    last hour, or to Jacks-or-Better video poker.                -   A channel may show live information. A channel may                    also show historical information. For example, a                    video poker channel may show the best games from the                    last week, of games played last year.                -   2.4.4.1.2. Sports book channel. A sports book                    channel may show information about various sporting                    events, such as baseball games, basketball games,                    horse races, car races, golf tournaments, or any                    other sporting events or contests. The information                    may be presented as a text description of scores.                    For example, the most recent scores of various games                    may be scrolled across a screen. A sports book                    channel may show video feeds of various games, or                    highlights of various games. A sports book channel                    may selectively show footage from one game over                    another for various reasons. Footage of a particular                    game may be shown if: (a) there is a significant                    amount of money bet on the game by secondary players                    (e.g., more than a certain amount of money in                    aggregate, e.g., more money is bet on the game than                    on another game which is not shown); (b) there are                    more than a certain number of secondary players                    betting on the game; (c) the game is close (e.g.,                    the scores of the opponents in the game are close;                    e.g., the horses in a race are neck and neck); (d)                    the game is nearing a resolution, or for any other                    reason.                -   2.4.4.1.3. Personalized channel. In various                    embodiments, a channel may be a one-way                    communication of information to a secondary player.                    The channel may be customized to the particular                    player, however. Thus, two different secondary                    players who are watching the Blackjack Channel, for                    example, may still receive different sets of                    information. A channel may be customized to show                    information about a game that a particular secondary                    player is betting on, to show information about a                    game that may be considered relevant to a secondary                    player based on information about the secondary                    player (e.g., a sports game may be shown to the                    secondary player if the secondary player's home team                    is playing), to show to the secondary player                    information about a game played by primary players                    with similar demographics to those of the secondary                    player, to show the secondary player information                    about a game played near his hometown (e.g., if the                    secondary player is from Mississippi, a game from a                    Mississippi casino may be shown), to show the                    secondary player information about a game in which                    the secondary player had previously expressed                    interest (e.g., if a secondary player previously has                    made bets on the games played at a particular gaming                    device, then games played at that same gaming device                    may be shown to the secondary player on his                    personalized channel.                -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be                    asked what he would like to see or hear on a                    particular channel. The secondary player might then                    select particular types of games (e.g., video poker,                    e.g., Monopoly Slots), particular primary players,                    particular tables, particular dealers, particular                    areas in a casino, particular types of strategies                    (e.g., the secondary player wants a channel to show                    only primary players using a particular type of                    strategy, such as basic strategy), particular stages                    in games (e.g., the secondary player selects that a                    channel show only bonus rounds for games; e.g., the                    secondary player selects that a channeo should only                    show games after an intermediate outcome has                    occurred, such as after the first two cards in                    blackjack have been dealt), games with certain types                    of outcomes (e.g., the secondary player selects that                    a channel should show only outcomes that have a                    payout of more than $100; e.g., the secondary player                    selects that a channel should show only outcomes                    where the ace of spades is present; e.g., the                    secondary player selects that a channel should only                    show games where a primary player has three cards to                    a royal flush), games played by certain teams (e.g.,                    the secondary player may select that a channel only                    show baseball games from the National League; e.g.,                    the secondary player may select that a channel only                    show college basketball games), or the secondary                    player may select or specify any other type of                    content to be in his personalized channel. The                    player may select content from a menu (e.g., the                    player may select a type of game from a menu                    containing different types of games), the player may                    specify desired content using text, or the player                    may specify desired content using any other format.                    The secondary player may have the opportunity to                    name the channel. For example, the player might name                    a channel “Bonus Rounds”, “Top Winning Primary                    Players”, “Craps Games”, “High Payout Games”, or any                    other name.            -   2.4.4.2. Specific table (I like blackjack table X). In                various embodiments, a channel may present games or                information from a particular gaming table. For example,                a channel may present games from a particular blackjack                table. The channel may show video footage of the game.                Video footage may be shown from overtop the table. Video                footage may be shown which focuses on individual players                at the table (e.g., video may focus on the face of one                of the primary players). Video footage may be shown                which focuses on the dealer. Footage may be shown which                focuses on particular hands, particular cards, on chip                stacks of various players, or on any other aspect of a                table. A channel for a table may feature statistics                about the table, including percentages of hands won by                players in the last hour, including net winnings of the                primary players, including the percentage of blackjacks                achieved at the table in the last hour, or any other                statistics. A channel for a table may feature statistics                about rolls of dice (e.g., at a craps table), about                outcomes at a roulette wheel (e.g., a statistic may                indicate the percentage of “black” outcomes that                occurred in the last 100 spins of a roulette wheel), or                statistics about any other event or events at a gaming                table.        -   2.4.5. Keys to specific players. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may press a key or button to receive            information about a specific primary player. Pressing such a            key or button may allow the secondary player to see a video            feed of the primary player's game, to see a video feed of            the primary player himself (e.g., a video feed of the            primary player's face), to see simulated renditions of the            games of the primary player, to see statistics about the            primary player (e.g., lifetime net winnings for the primary            player), to see recent statistics for the primary player            (e.g., net winnings for the primary player in the last            hour), and to see any other information related to the            primary player. In various embodiments, a key pressed by the            secondary player may allow the secondary player to open up a            line of communication with a primary player, such as an            audio line of communication.        -   2.4.6. Keys to specific gaming devices. In some embodiments,            a secondary player may press a key to receive information            about a specific gaming device. Pressing such a key or            button may allow the secondary player to see video of the            gaming device, to see outcomes generated on the gaming            device, to see reenactments of games played on the gaming            device, or to see any other information about the gaming            device. A key may be labeled with an identifier for a gaming            device, such as “VideoPoker12345”. The key may also be given            a custom name by the secondary player. In various            embodiments, pressing a key or button may allow a secondary            player to open up a communication channel with a gaming            device. For example, the secondary player may be able to            engage in audio communication with a primary player at the            gaming device.        -   2.4.7. Keys to a specific game table. In various            embodiments, pressing a key or button may allow a secondary            player to receive information about a specific gaming table.            For example, the secondary player may receive a video feed            from the gaming table, an indication of who the dealer is,            an indication of who the primary players are, statistics            about what cards were dealt, statistics about what outcomes            occurred, statistics about the percentage of time that            primary players have won versus the percentage of time that            the dealer has won, statistics about what strategy has been            used at the table, or any other information about the table.            The key may allow a secondary player to open up a line of            communication with the table, such as a line of            communication with one or more of the primary players at the            table, or such as a line of communication with the dealer at            the table.        -   2.4.8. Keys to specific sporting events. In various            embodiments, a button or key may give a secondary player            access to information about a particular sporting event. For            example, a secondary player may press a key to watch a video            feed of a baseball game between the Yankees and the Red Sox.            When the sports game goes to commercial, the secondary            player may press another button which calls up another            sporting event. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may select a viewing angle for a sporting event. For            example, a sporting event may have multiple cameras            capturing the action. The secondary player may be able to            press a first button to see a feed from a first camera, a            second button to see a feed from a second camera, and so on.            For example, in a tennis match, one button may correspond to            a view from mid-court, while another button may correspond            to a view from the back of one side of the court. In some            embodiments, a key may allow a secondary player to switch            the commentator for a feed, broadcast, or channel. For            example, a secondary player may be viewing a feed from a            sporting event. The secondary player may press a key to            change the audio from one sports commentator to another            commentator. A secondary player may also change the            commentator for another type of event. For example, a            commentator may comment on the strategy of primary players            from a table game of blackjack. A secondary player may            decide he doesn't like the commentator and may switch to a            new commentator. The switch may occur at the press of a            button or key, through a menu selection, or through some            other means.        -   2.4.9. Functional Keys for Video feeds. In some embodiments,            keys may have specialized functions for controlling video.            Various keys may allow a secondary player to zoom in or zoom            out. Various keys may allow a player to pan, to tilt, to            increase or decrease the viewing angle, to filter out one or            more objects in a video feed, to increase or decrease            contrast, to increase or decrease brightness. If audio is            present, a key may allow a secondary player to filter out            certain audio sources (e.g., a secondary player may wish to            filter out the voices of certain basketball players to hone            in on the voice of his favorite basketball player). Various            keys may allow the secondary player to freeze a video, to            play the video in slow motion, to play the video backwards,            or to play a video in fast forward. Various keys may allow            for other manipulation of video or audio.        -   2.4.10. Programmable keys. Shortcut keys. A button or key            may be programmable or configurable to call up any type of            information, or to perform any other function. For example,            a secondary player may program a button to bring up            information about his preferred gaming table, about his            preferred primary player, about his preferred outcomes, or            about anything else. A secondary player may configure a            button to open up a line of communication with a specific            other person, with a specific gaming device, with a specific            game table, or with any other specific counterparty. A            secondary player may configure a button to put in a request.            For example, a button may be configured such that if the            button is pressed a martini will be ordered for the            secondary player.        -   2.4.11. Keys that provide messages or alerts. In various            embodiments, a button or key may change color, flash, or            otherwise draw attention. A secondary player may then press            the button or key to open up a line of communication, to            call up particular information, to view a particular channel            (e.g., a video poker channel) or to perform any other            function. The button may flash or draw attention when some            event of potential interest, importance, or significance has            transpired which might warrant the attention of the            secondary player. For example, the button may be configured            to call up a bonus round channel on screen. The button may            flash when a primary player somewhere in a casino has            reached the final round of a bonus round. The secondary            player may be motivate to press the button when it flashes            so as to watch the final round of the bonus round which is            occurring. The secondary player may be welcome to press the            button at times when it is not flashing as well in order to            see information about bonus rounds around the casino.            However, the secondary player may be especially motivated to            press the button when it is flashing.        -   2.4.12. Specialized keys dedicated to different games. A            terminal may include specialized or dedicated buttons or            keys, where such buttons or keys are specialized for            particular games, for particular types of bets, or for any            other specialized function. One set of keys may be for            placing bets on games of video poker. One set of keys may be            for placing bets on a game of blackjack. Other sets of keys            may include keys for placing bets on games of roulette, keys            for placing bets on games of poker (e.g., Texas Hold'em            poker), keys for placing bets on craps, keys for placing            bets on slot machine games, keys for placing bets on keno            games, keys for placing bets on baccarat games, or keys for            placing bets on any other types of games. Specialized keys            may be used when a player at a terminal acts as a secondary            player. Specialized keys may be used when a player at a            terminal acts as a primary player.            -   A specialized set of keys for roulette may include a key                for placing a bet on “red” a key for placing a bet on                “black” a key for placing a bet on odd numbers, a key                for placing a bet on even numbers, a key for each number                on the roulette wheel, and a key for any other roulette                related bet. A player at a terminal who desires to play                or to participate in a game of roulette may thus                conveniently use the dedicated keys at the terminal for                making roulette bets. A complete roulette bet may be                specified using two keys for example, a first key may                specify a bet amount (e.g., 5 credits) and a second key                may specify the bet type (e.g., “red”). A complete bet                may also be specified using a single dedicated key.                Pressing the key may be tantamount to instructions to                bet 5 on red. In various embodiments, a bet amount may                be understood, such as by default. For example, where a                bet amount is unspecified, the same bet amount from the                previous game may be used. Thus, for example, a player                may press a dedicated “red” key to bet 5 credits on red                if the player's prior bet had also been 5 credits.

3 Dedicated keys for a game of video poker may include five different“hold” keys, each key corresponding to a different hand position. Adedicated key, in any game, may also correspond to a strategy. Forexample, in video poker, there may be a key which directs the strategywith the highest expected winnings to be executed. By pressing such akey, the player allows software (e.g., software residing on the terminalor software residing with the casino server) to decide which cards tohold and which cards to discard based on a calculation of which leads tothe highest expected winnings. In a game of blackjack, a dedicated keymay be pressed to play basic strategy.

-   -   -   -   In a game of craps, dedicated keys may allow a player to                make a “pass” or “don't pass” bet, or to make any other                craps specific bet.            -   A key may be configured to perform one task. For                example, a key may be configured to always place a                certain type of bet, when pressed. However, in various                embodiments, a key may be reprogrammed to perform                another dedicated task. For example, a key that used to                always place a bet of 5 on black may be used to now                place a bet of 10 on red.

        -   2.4.13. Keys dedicated to different types of bets. Keys            customizable for different types of bets. E.g., customize a            key for “bet 7 lines and 10 cents on each line”. Or            customize a key that says, “Bet that primary player Joe will            fold”. In various embodiments, keys may be customized for            particular types of bets. A player may prefer a certain bet            that is generally not easily selected or described. For            example, a secondary player may wish to place a bet on 7            paylines in a slot machine game and to bet a quarter per            payline on five of the paylines and to bet a dollar per            payline on the other two lines. The secondary player may            program a key to make just this desired bet, or to make any            other desired bet. Thus, the player may save himself the            trouble of entering intricate instructions each time he            wishes to place a bet. In various embodiments, a player may            at a first point in time enter detailed instructions for            making a complicated bet. The player may then have the            opportunity to save the bet. For example, the terminal may            display a message for the player asking the player whether            he would like to save the bet he just made or just entered.            The player may indicate that he would. The terminal may give            the secondary player the option of saving the bet to a            particular button. For example, the terminal may give the            player the option of associating a particular button on the            terminal with the bet, so that the player may subsequently            simply press the button once in order to make the bet. (In            some embodiments, the bet does not take effect until the            player confirms or actually initiates a game subsequent to            making the bet). In some embodiments, a terminal may store a            list of bets made recently by a player at the terminal. For            example, the terminal may store the 10 or 50 most recent            bets made by the player. The player may have the opportunity            to see a list of recent bets and to select one from the            list. For example, the player may use a mouse or arrow keys            to navigate through a list of recent bets and to select one            of them. The player may then make the bet again without            having to reenter the bet.

        -   2.4.14. Keys particular to display screens. In various            embodiments, a key may correspond to a particular display            screen. Pressing the key may somehow activate the            corresponding display screen. For example, pressing the key            may cause a mouse pointer to appear in the corresponding            display screen, so that the player may now select or click            on items shown in that display screen. In some embodiments,            a player may be playing multiple games simultaneously, with            different display screens showing different games. The            player may wish to initiate a new game which is shown in a            particular screen. Thus, the player may press a button which            activates the screen. The player may then use a general set            of betting keys to make a bet in that game and to initiate            play of the game. The player may then press another key            corresponding to another display screen. The new display            screen may be activated. The player may then use the same            general set of betting keys to activate to make a bet for            the game shown in the new display screen.

    -   2.5. Pictures. In various embodiments, a player may have his own        photos loaded onto a terminal. For example, the six screens of a        terminal may each show a picture of a different one of the        secondary player's grand children. The secondary player may        bring his photos to a terminal using a portable device, such as        an MP3 player. The player may also download photos from a photo        sharing web site, such as Flickr.

    -   2.6. Other special input devices. Joystick. A terminal may have        various input devices. These may include joysticks, touch pads,        track balls, touch screens, microphones, cameras (e.g., a player        may make hand signals to issue commands to the terminal, where        such hand signals are picked up by the camera and interpreted by        software), foot pedals, electronic pads for recognizing        handwriting, or any other input devices. A terminal may include        input devices of the same type found on some gaming devices. For        example, a terminal may include a handle that can be pulled like        the handle of a slot machine. Pulling such a handle may cause        the secondary player to bet on the game of a primary player.

    -   2.7. How do we make sure that people can't beat on these things        and destroy them? In various embodiments, a terminal may contain        expensive or fragile equipment. For example, the terminal may        contain multiple buttons and display screens. In various        embodiments, sensors may detect behavior which is dangerous to        the equipment, such as hitting or banging. For example,        vibration or pressure sensors may sense sudden shocks to the        equipment. In various embodiments, a camera may monitor areas        surrounding the terminal. For example, a camera may monitor the        area where a secondary player normally sits or stands. The        camera or various sensors may trigger an alert when dangerous        behavior is detected or perceived. A casino employee may be        alerted to visit the terminal upon detection of potentially        dangerous or harmful behavior. The casino employee may be able        to ask the secondary player what happened. If necessary, the        casino employee may ask the secondary player to refrain from        certain behavior. In some embodiments, if potentially harmful        behavior is detected at a terminal, a communication line may be        opened up between the terminal and a casino employee, such as a        security guard. The casino employee may then have the        opportunity to talk to the secondary player, ask him what is        happening, and perhaps ask the secondary player to refrain from        certain potentially damaging behaviors.

    -   2.8. Ticker. Ticker of statistics of interest. Red/black casino        wide. House versus player casino wide. Many other things        displayed can be displayed in ticker form. In various        embodiments, a display of a ticker may be shown on one or more        display screens. The ticker may comprise a band on one or more        display screens, with information moving across the band (e.g.,        from left to right). The band may have a particular color, such        as green, or a particular pattern, or any other markings to        distinguish it from surrounding graphics or to put on the        appearance of a ticker tape. The ticker may contain various        information. The ticker may include statistics about games at a        casino or at multiple casinos. For example, a ticker may        indicate the number of red outcomes that have occurred in        roulette across the casino in the last five minutes, the number        of black outcomes that have occurred in the last five minutes,        the number of sevens that have been rolled in craps in the last        hour, the number of times players have busted in blackjack in        the last hour, the number of times the jackpot has paid out at        any slot machine in the last twenty minutes, the names of the        five players with the most winnings in the last hour, the size        of a progressive jackpot, the scores in a sports game, or any        other statistic. A ticker may vary or be customized in many        ways. A ticker may span one display screen or it may continue        across two or more display screens. A ticker may even span less        than one display screen. A ticker may be wide or narrow. A        ticker may run horizontally, vertically, or along a diagonal. A        ticker may proceed quickly (e.g., information may go from one        side to the other quickly) or slowly. A ticker may appear as        red, blue, or any other color. A ticker may have font in yellow,        green, or any other color. There may be more than one ticker.        For example, tickers may run in parallel across a display        screen, or there may be two different tickers on two different        displays screens.        -   A ticker may be customized in various ways. A secondary            player may alter the sizes, background colors, font colors,            font sizes or any other aspect of a ticker. A secondary            player may specify which statistics or other information he            wishes to be on the ticker. For example, the secondary            player may indicate that he wants statistics only about slot            machines and craps. Another secondary player may indicate            that he wants statistics describing the winnings of the top            50 players of the most recent hour. Another player may            indicate the he wishes to see the scores from sports games            currently going on.        -   In some embodiments, certain ticker feeds may exist and may            be available to one or more secondary players in a casino.            There may be a blackjack ticker, a craps ticker, a sports            ticker, a high rollers ticker, or any other particular            ticker. A secondary player may then choose one or more            tickers that he would like to see scrolling across on a            display screen.        -   In various embodiments a ticker may be displayed using a            matrix of light emitting diodes, such as a rectangular array            of such diodes.

    -   2.9. The setup adjustably configures to your body. For example,        all the screens come in to be within arms reach. The chair moves        up or down to get you near the screens. The terminal may include        sensors, such as range finders, lasers, sonar, or cameras to        determine the body size of the player (e.g., tall, e.g., short).        Portions of the terminal may automatically adjust to conform to        the body size of the player. For example, the display screens        may move in close to a player so he can reach them (e.g., if the        display screens are touch screens). A chair of the terminal may        move up or down to adjust to the height of the player.

    -   2.10. Audio. A terminal may have various means of outputting        audio. The audio that is output may include audio communication        from a player's friends, audio communication from casino        personnel, audio associated with a television broadcast, audio        associated in with a radio broadcast, audio associated with a        movie, TV show, or other form of media, audio associated with a        game (e.g., audio outputs associated with winning a prize), or        any other type of audio.        -   2.10.1. Give headphones to people. Headphones may be            available for a player at a terminal. Using such headphones,            a player may ensure that others around him do not hear his            audio, or that he may focus on his audio without being            distracted by ambient noises. A switch, button, or other            input device may allow a player at a terminal to switch            audio from one type of output to another. For example, audio            may begin by emanating from speakers at a terminal. When a            player puts on headphones, the player may flip a switch to            cause audio to come through the headphones. In some            embodiments, the headphones or the terminal may sense when            the player has put on the headphones. Audio meant for the            player may then be piped to the headphones rather than            broadcast from speakers. In various embodiments, there may            be two or more sets of headphones. Each set of headphones            may broadcast separate audio feeds. For example, one set of            headphones may correspond to a feed from a sporting event            while a second set of headphones may provide an audio track            for a slot machine game the player is participating in.        -   2.10.2. Display mounted speakers. In various embodiments,            the terminal may include one or more speakers. The speakers            may be mounted on the body of the terminal, or on some other            structure associated with the terminal. The speakers may            form part of the displays. The speakers may be mounted on            the displays.        -   2.10.3. Mute buttons. In various embodiments, a terminal may            include one or more mute buttons. Pressing a mute button            once may silence an audio feed. Pressing the mute button            again may cause the audio feed to return.        -   2.10.4. Squawk box. In various embodiments, an open line of            communication may exist among a number of parties, such as            three, four, five, six, or more parties. The communication            may be audio based. A terminal may have a speaker which is            attuned to broadcast voice or other audio messages from any            person who is in on the communication. Further, a microphone            or other audio input device may allow the player to            communicate audio messages into the open line of            communication. Any spoken message may be broadcast to all            parties who are on the communication. If several people            speak at once, all spoken communications may be communicated            at once. Thus, an open line of communication may potentially            result in a cacophonous melee of voices. A line of            communication may be open among a group of friends, among a            group of terminals, among all terminals, among all secondary            players, among all secondary players who open the line of            communication, among all players at gaming devices in a            casino, among players and casino representatives, among            players at multiple different casinos, or among any other            group of people.

    -   2.11. Phones. A terminal may include one or more phones and/or        phone lines. A player may be able to place phone calls to        another party.        -   2.11.1. Phone that only allows local calls. In some            embodiments, a phone at a terminal may only allow local            calls. In some embodiments, a phone at a terminal may only            allow calls to certain areas, to certain people, to certain            devices, or to certain other restricted destinations. In            some embodiments, restrictions on phone calls may be put in            place only when a player is placing bets on sports. For            example, a player may be allowed to make only local phone            calls when betting on a sporting event. This may help to            restrict the player from finding out information about the            result of the sporting event before counterparties to the            bet. In various embodiments, a player may not place any bets            on sports within a predetermined time of having placed a            phone call which is not in accordance with various            restrictions. For example, a player may be prohibited from            placing a bet on a sporting event within 10 minutes of            having completed a long distance phone call.        -   2.11.2. Calls to another node on a network. In various            embodiments, phone calls may be restricted to certain            parties. Phone calls may be restricted to other terminals.            Phone calls may be restricted to people calling from within            an internal casino network.        -   2.11.3. And calls are recorded. Because of sports book            restrictions. In various embodiments, a phone call placed            from a terminal may be recorded. Recorded calls may be            checked to ensure that no sports related information is            being communicated, or that no other information that may            provide special knowledge about what bets to make are            communicated. Recorded calls may be checked at random.            Recorded calls may be checked after a player has won a bet.            Recorded calls may be checked after a player has won            statistically more bets than would be expected of a player.            Recorded calls may be checked by a person or by a machine or            computer (e.g., using voice recognition software). A            recorded call may be analyzed based on the location of the            counterparty in the call. For example, if the call was            placed to a phone near a race track, the recorded call may            be scrutinized.        -   2.11.4. Phone that allows you to speed dial into a radio            show. In various embodiments, various speed dial functions            may be associated with a phone or phones at a terminal. A            player may be able to press a button to dial into a radio            show. The player may then hear the radio show over the            phone, or even to pose a question to the host of the radio            show. In various embodiments, a speed dial function may            allow a player to call up a feed of a radio sports            broadcast. For example, the player may pick up a phone to            listen to the radio broadcast of a game being played by a            favored team. Various buttons may allow the player to dial            into different sports broadcasts. In various embodiments,            speed dials may allow the player to dial any other number or            counterparty in an expedited fashion.

-   3. Different information on different displays. In various    embodiments, different displays may show different information or    different types of information. The display screens may complement    each other. For example, some displays may show broad types of    information, while others show specific types of information, or    more detailed information about something shown in another display.    Some displays may cover one game or one area of a casino while other    displays cover other games or areas of the casino.    -   3.1. Different Views        -   3.1.1. One display shows reenactments of outcomes. One            display may show reenactments of game outcomes. The display            may show footage of the actual outcomes, e.g., as the actual            outcomes occurred. Outcomes shown may be outcomes for games            in which a player at a terminal is participating as either a            primary player or as a secondary player.        -   3.1.2. One display shows just data about outcomes. In            various embodiments, a display may show data about outcomes.            The display may show what outcomes have occurred. The            display may show statistics describing multiple outcomes.            For example, the display may show statistics describing            which outcomes were most frequently occurring in the casino            in the last five minutes. The display may show statistics            describing streaks of outcomes (e.g., 10 sevens in a row            have been rolled at a craps game).        -   3.1.3. One display shows overhead views of regions of a game            floor. In various embodiments, a display may show an            overhead view of a region of casino. The region may be the            same region of a particular game that is more closely            featured on another display screen of the terminal.        -   3.1.4. One display shows a whole game table. In various            embodiments, one display screen of a terminal may show an            entire gaming table. Another display screen, for example,            may show more details about the table, such as focusing in            on one player at the table, or showing statistics about the            table.        -   3.1.5. Blow up the video to show an important event on many            screens at once. In various embodiments, an important or            significant event may be brought to prominence. The display            area used for that event may be increased. The area may be            increased from one display screen to two or more display            screens. The area may be increased from a portion of a            display screen to take up a whole display screen.            Significant events may include the occurrence of a            significant outcome in a game in which the secondary player            participates, the occurrence of a jackpot, or the occurrence            of any other rare, high paying or otherwise significant            event.        -   3.1.6. Picture in picture. There is a speed dial switch to            go from video to video. In various embodiments, a window,            frame, or picture may be shown within a larger window,            frame, or picture. The smaller window may contain one video            feed while the larger window may contain another video feed.            The smaller and larger windows may contain other types of            feeds or images as well, such as animated reenactments of            game outcomes. A player at the terminal may switch the            windows so that the footage shown in the larger is now shown            in the smaller, and so that the footage that was shown in            the smaller is now shown in the larger. A special key or            button may rapidly affect the switch. In various            embodiments, there may be multiple smaller windows within            one larger window. There may be a special key or button            which corresponds to each of the smaller windows and/or            which corresponds to the footage within the windows. A            player may thus monitor a number of games, sporting events,            or other activities at once. When the player becomes            interested in one particular game (or sporting event or            other activity), the player may press a button that            corresponds to the game of interest (e.g., to the window            with the game of interest). The footage of interest in the            window of interest may then enlarge to take up the larger            window, while the footage in the larger window may then            shrink to occupy the smaller window. In various embodiments,            particular events that occur in a game, sporting event, or            other activity may cause the corresponding window (e.g., the            window showing the game) to become the large window. For            example, if a game shown in a smaller window results in a            high-payout outcome, footage of the game may be enlarged and            shown in the larger window.        -   3.1.7. Proprietary feeds from different services. For            example, there is a feed from one casino. Or a feed from one            type of game that is only played in one place. There may be            financial arrangements with the casino to get this feed.            Information shown at terminals may come from diverse places.            Information may come from different casinos, from vendors            that specialize in generating game outcomes for sale, from            sports franchises, from race tracks, from media companies            (e.g., movies shown on terminals may come from media            companies) or from any other source. Different sources may            charge for providing such information. For example, a sports            franchise may charge for blanket use of sporting footage in            a casino, or for use of sporting footage at a particular            terminal. In various embodiments, different information            sources may charge at different rates and according to            different schemes. A source may charge according to one or            more of the following: (a) the number of terminals using            information from that source; (b) the number of viewers of            information from that source; (c) the size of a window in            which information from that source was displayed (e.g., the            casino owning the terminal may pay more for footage shown in            a large window than for footage shown in a small            window); (d) the number of other information sources shown            together with a given information source (e.g., a casino may            pay less for showing footage or information from a given            source if such information was displayed at the same            terminal with a large number of other types of information            than if the information was displayed on its own); (e) the            length of time for which a feed from that source was            viewed; (f) the celebrity status of people in a feed (e.g.,            footage showing a poker game being played by a celebrity may            be more expensive than is footage showing a poker game            played by an unknown person), or based on any other metric.            A casino may pay for an information feed on periodic basis.            For example, a casino may pay a subscription fee for an            information source.    -   3.2. What is the standard default data that is always displayed?        E.g., standard games, standard indices. In various embodiments,        a terminal may have a default set of feeds or pieces of        information that are displayed. For example, there may be video        footage shown from a Wheel of Fortune slot machine game, from a        video poker game, from a blackjack table, and from a craps game.        In various embodiments, default footage is chosen based on what        are the most popular games in a casino. For example, if the most        played game by primary players was the Monopoly slot machine        game, then it may be assumed secondary players at a terminal        will wish to participate in such games. Thus, footage may be        shown from a Monopoly slot machine game. In various embodiments,        just as default footage may be shown, there may be default        configurations for various keys, buttons, or switches at a        terminal. For example, a set of keys may be configured by        default to be used for placing bets on games of video poker.    -   3.3. Video feeds. Multiple full-motion video feeds. Hi        definition video signal. In various embodiments, high bandwidth        connections may be used to pipe multiple high-definition video        feeds to a terminal. A player may thus enjoy a pleasurable        gaming and entertainment experience while at the terminal.    -   3.4. Alerts. Something happens and shows in red, for example. A        terminal may include several windows, several feeds, information        about several games, or other diverse information. When a        noteworthy event or occurrence happens in one feed, such feed        may be emphasized or brought to prominence. For example, a        window with a particular feed may be enlarged, or made brighter.        Audio from a particular feed may be made louder, or audio from        competing feeds made lower. Footage may flash, or other        indicators may flash. A button which can call up a particular        feed or information source may flash when a noteworthy event        occurs for that feed.        -   3.4.1. Sounds for alerts. In various embodiments, alerts as            to the occurrence of a noteworthy event may occur by means            of audio. Special sounds may be broadcast for different            events. For example, different types of events might have            different corresponding sounds. In some embodiments,            however, there is a generic sound for any noteworthy event.            In some embodiments, the occurrence of a jackpot may be            heralded with one type sound, the occurrence of a streak of            a certain length may be heralded with another type of sound            (e.g., the sounds of chimes play when a primary player wins            ten games of blackjack in a row), the initiation of play by            a favored primary player (e.g., by a primary player favored            by the secondary player at a terminal) may be heralded with            a third type of sound (e.g., the sound of a rooster            crowing), and so on.        -   3.4.2. Customize your own alert sounds. In various            embodiments, a player may customize which sounds will be            used to provide alerts or announcements as to the occurrence            of particular events. The player may select from a list of            special events. The player may similarly select from a menu            of sounds. The player may match events to sounds. The player            may also provide his own sounds, e.g., via portable MP3            player.    -   3.5. Entertainment. A secondary player may use the terminal for        entertainment purposes. The secondary player may watch movies,        TV shows, casino related events, or other forms of        entertainment. The secondary player may watch news programs,        science programs, documentaries, or other video. The player may        listen to music, books on tape, speeches, or other audio. The        terminal may have available multiple display screens. Thus, a        secondary player may watch entertainment on one screen while        watching the progress of games on another screen.        -   3.5.1. Movies on demand. A secondary player may watch a            movie at the terminal. The secondary player may request a            particular movie, such as from a list of movies licensed by            the casino for presentation. The secondary player may also            select a movie channel, such as cable or satellite TV            channel, on which movies are playing. The player may receive            a feed from the channel at the terminal.        -   3.5.2. TV Shows. A secondary player may watch a TV show at            the terminal. The secondary player may select from a list of            pre-recorded TV shows. A secondary player may also watch a            regular TV channel that may be fed to the terminal.        -   3.5.3. Casino Related Events. A secondary player may watch            video feeds of casino related events. For example, the            player may watch a video of a concert that played the            previous night, of a comedy act, of an animal performance,            or of any other casino related event.        -   3.5.4. Music. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            listen to music at a terminal. The music may come from            speakers built into the terminal. A headset with earphones            may also be supplied to the player for listening to the            music or for other audio communication. A secondary player            may select from one or more channels. The channels may            correspond to radio stations or to broadcasts made            exclusively within a casino. For example, a casino may have            its own disc jockey which selects songs or tunes to be            broadcast to players in the casino. The player may select a            music or audio channel to listen to using a menu. Certain            buttons or keys may also be configured to correspond to            certain audio or music channels. For example, there may be a            “Rock and Roll” button, a “Jazz” button and a “Classical            Music” button. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may have the ability to select individual songs to play. The            casino or a third party may offer a number of songs for            selection by the secondary player. Thus, the terminal, in            conjunction with the network, may function as a juke box,            although payment may or may not be necessary, in various            embodiments. In various embodiments, as a secondary player            selects songs to play, the secondary player may develop a            list of preferred songs. The secondary player may then have            the option of having songs from his list (e.g., songs            previously selected) to be played. The terminal may            systematically proceed song by song through the secondary            player's list of preferred song (e.g., playing one by one            and then starting from the beginning) or the terminal may            randomly select a song to play at any moment in time.            -   3.5.4.1. Songs chosen to correspond to gaming outcomes.                In various embodiments, a terminal may play a song or                tune which is chosen based on an outcome that occurred                in a game in which the secondary player participated.                For example, if the secondary player made a winning bet                in a game, then a song with a happy theme may be played.                If a player made a losing bet, a song with a sad theme                may be played. Songs may be chosen based on the                correspondence of their lyrics to the symbols, graphics,                or events in a game. For example, if a “grape” symbol                occurs in a game, then the song “I Heard It through the                Grapevine” may be played.            -   3.5.4.2. Secondary player brings his own songs. In                various embodiments, a secondary player may bring his                own tunes or songs for listening at the casino. A player                may bring an MP3 player to the casino, such as an iPod.                The secondary player may dock the MP3 player into the                terminal. The speakers of the terminal may then be used                to play songs stored on the MP3 player. Further,                information about the songs on the MP3 player may be                downloaded to the terminal. Various buttons, dials, or                other input devices on the terminal may then be used to                navigate through the secondary player's list of songs                and to select songs for playing. In various embodiments,                a secondary player may also store songs on a network,                such as on the Internet. A secondary player may store                songs on his home computer, where such home computer is                accessible via the Internet, e.g., via file sharing                software. The terminal may access the secondary player's                songs and may play them upon the request of the                secondary player. In various embodiments, a secondary                player may bring movies or other entertainment to the                terminal. The movies may be brought on a portable movie                player, on an MP3 player, on a storage medium (e.g., on                a flash drive, e.g., on a DVD), or on any other object                or device. The movies or other entertainment may be                loaded onto the terminal and played.        -   3.5.5. Requirements to watch entertainment—must be gaming at            a certain rate. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may be permitted to watch entertainment or other video            unrelated to gaming activities, so long as the secondary            player engages in a certain amount of gaming activity. The            secondary player may be required to bet a certain amount per            unit time, to participate in a certain number of games per            unit time, to have a pause between participation in games of            no more than X minutes, or to satisfy any other metric of            play. Thus, in various embodiments, the ability to watch            entertainment may be a reward for the player for his            business gaming.        -   3.5.6. Pausing entertainment for game outcomes. In various            embodiments, video or audio feeds, such as video feeds            showing a movie or other entertainment, may be paused for            various reasons. Feeds may be paused upon the occurrence of            certain events in a game. A feed may be paused if a game in            which the secondary player participates comes to a            resolution or is about to come to a resolution. A feed may            be paused if a game in which the secondary player            participates results in an outcome that meets certain            criteria. An outcome that meets such criteria may include an            outcome that corresponds to a payout over a certain            threshold, an outcome that corresponds to a jackpot outcome,            an outcome that is a winning outcome, an outcome that had            less than a predetermined probability of occurrence, or an            outcome that meets any other particular set of criteria. The            pausing of entertainment may allow a secondary player to            focus on game outcomes or game events without missing a            portion of a movie, TV show, or other portion of            entertainment. A pause in entertainment may also give the            player the opportunity to specify a new bet or set of bets.    -   3.6. Advertising. In various embodiments, one or more displays        may include advertisements or other promotions. Advertisements        may be for third party merchants' products, for casino shows,        for casino restaurants, for products sold at casino shops, for        casino hotel rooms, for other casino events, or for other        products or services. In various embodiments, a screen of the        terminal may be dedicated solely to advertisements. In various        embodiments, advertisements may appear in windows within display        screens. A secondary player may also have the ability to make        purchases using the terminal. For example, a secondary player        may respond to an advertisement and purchase a product that was        shown in the advertisement. In various embodiments, various        buttons or keys at a terminal may be temporarily or permanently        associated with a product, service, or advertisement. For        example, a message may be shown in associating with an        advertisement. The message may say, “If you wish to learn more        about this product, or to purchase this product, please press        the flashing button.” A button at the terminal may be flashing.        The player at the terminal may then press the button to view        additional screens of information about the product, to open up        a line of communication (e.g., a phone call or video conference)        with a salesman for the advertised product, to visit a purchase        screen where the player can confirm that he wishes to pay a        particular price and to receive an advertised product, and/or to        purchase the product outright. For example, in some embodiments,        a player may press a button to immediately purchase a product.        The product's purchase price may be deducted from the player's        gaming credits. In some embodiments, buttons or other input        devices may be associated with a product or service even in the        absence of a promotion or advertisement. A button or other input        device may be permanently associated with a product or service.        The player may press the button in order to purchase the product        or service. After pressing the button, one or more acceptance or        confirmation steps may be required. For example, the player may        be required to sign, to supply a thumb print, to supply a credit        card number, to supply a shipping address, or to otherwise        confirm he wishes to make a purchase, or to otherwise supply        necessary details for completing the purchase.

-   4. Play against multiple opponents. See one on each monitor. In    various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in a game in    which there are multiple primary players. For example, the secondary    player may participate in a game of Texas Hold'em poker. The    terminal may feature images or videos of two or more of the players    participating in the game. The images or videos may be shown    simultaneously. The images or video may be shown simultaneously on    different screens. For example, there may be six primary players in    a game of Texas Hold'em. There may be six display screens at the    terminal. Each display screen may show video footage of a different    one of the six players. In various embodiments, the displays may be    arranged horizontally side by side, such as to simulate a visual    field as if the secondary player were actually sitting at the live    game of poker. In various embodiments, the display screens may be    located near or far from the secondary player to simulate visual    depth even more realistically. For example, suppose video footage is    taken of all the players at a poker table from the vantage point of    one seat at the poker table. Video of the primary player furthest    from that seat may be shown on a display screen which is located    furthest from the secondary player (e.g., furthest of any display    screen at the terminal). Likewise, video of the primary player    nearest the seat from which the video is taken may be shown on a    display screen which is nearest to the secondary player (e.g., the    nearest of any display screen at the terminal).

In various embodiments, a player at a terminal may play in a game as aprimary player. For example, the player may play in a game of TexasHold'em poker or in a game of Blackjack. Video or images of hisopponents may appear on various screens of the terminal. In someembodiments, each screen may contain an image or video of a differentone of the player's opponents.

In various embodiments, a player (e.g., a primary player) whose turn itis to act in a game may be prominently featured at a terminal. A playerwhose turn it is to act may have his image placed on a center screen ona terminal. If videos or images of multiple players are shown, the imageof the player to act may be enlarged, highlighted, made more bright thanimages of the other players, or otherwise emphasized.

In various embodiments, avatars for players (e.g., for primary players)may be shown on the display screens of terminals. For example, a videoor image of a primary player may not be available, or the primary playermay wish that a video of him not be shown. Thus, an avatar or otherrepresentation of a primary player may be shown on the display screensof a terminal. Where a player acts as a primary player at a terminal,avatars for his opponents may be shown on display screens of theterminal.

-   5. Applications to server based gaming. No reason you can't now play    multiple different gaming devices at once. In various embodiments, a    terminal may function as a gaming device. A terminal may also    function as two or more gaming devices. A terminal may, for    instance, allow a player to play two or more games at once. In    various embodiments, a first screen of a terminal may show a first    game. A second screen of a terminal may show a second game. For    example, the first screen may show a game of video poker. The second    screen may show a slot machine game.    -   5.1. Gaming Device. The functions of conducting a game may be        performed in several steps, in some embodiments. A random number        may be generated. The random number may be translated into an        outcome. A game scenario may be shown or displayed which        ultimately leads to a display of the outcome. For example, reels        may be shown to spin and then stop at the outcome. Further steps        may include determining intermediate outcomes (e.g., based on        the same or other random numbers), receiving decisions from a        player, determining a payout based on an outcome, and crediting        a player account with a payout. A terminal may perform one or        more functions of conducting a game. A terminal may display the        outcome of a game to a player. Functions of a game not performed        by a terminal may be performed by another device, such as by a        casino server or by a separate gaming device. For example, the        casinos server may determine a random number and an outcome for        a game. The terminal may then display the outcome of the game        for a player. Where the terminal and another device together        conduct a game, the terminal may be in communication with the        other device, e.g., to request game related information from the        other device and to receive such game related information from        the other device. In various embodiments, a terminal may        download software for conducting all or a portion of a game. The        software may be downloaded, for example, from a casino server.        The software may make the terminal operable to render graphics        and to provide audio associated with the game. The terminal may        be operable to download software for multiple different games,        and therefore the terminal may be operable to conduct portions        of multiple different games. For example, a terminal may be        operable to conduct a portion of a slot machine game and to        conduct a portion of a video poker game.    -   5.2. Two or more gaming devices. In some embodiments, a terminal        may function as two or more gaming devices at once. For example,        on one screen of the terminal may be displayed graphics and        other information from a video poker game. On another screen of        the terminal may be displayed graphics and other information        from a slot machine game. In some embodiments, as the player at        the terminal pleases, he may initiate a new game for one or the        other or for both types of games. A terminal may include        separate keys or controls for two types of games. For example,        one set of keys may be operable to place bets in slot machine        game, while another set of keys may be operable to place bets        and make decisions in a video poker game. Both sets of keys may        be part of the same terminal. Further, other sets of keys may be        available, such as keys for craps, roulette, or other games. In        some embodiments, a terminal may conduct two of the same type of        game at once. For example, a first screen may show a first slot        machine game and a second screen may show a second slot machine        game. There may be separate sets of keys even for two of the        same type of game.    -   5.3. A player plays as a primary player and as a secondary        player. In various embodiments, a terminal may allow a player to        play a first game as a primary player and to participate in a        second game as a secondary player. For example, a player may        place a bet on slot machine game, initiate the slot machine        game, and receive a payout based on the outcome of the slot        machine game. The player at the terminal may also place a bet on        a slot machine game being initiated and played by a different        player (e.g., by a primary player). A first display screen of        the terminal may show information about a first game in which        the player at the terminal is acting as a primary player. A        second display screen of the terminal may show information about        a second game in which the player at the terminal is        participating as a secondary player. One set of keys or buttons        or other input devices may allow the player at the terminal to        play a first game as a primary player (e.g., to place bets;        e.g., to make decisions; e.g., to initiate games). A second set        of keys or buttons or other input devices may allow the player        at the terminal to participate in a second game as a secondary        player (e.g., to select primary players to bet on; e.g., to        place bets).-   6. Screen with control panel. In various embodiments, a terminal may    include a screen with information about a player using the terminal.    Such information may include a credit balance, an amount bet or to    be bet on a first game, an amount bet or to be bet on a second game,    amounts bet or to be bet on any number of other games, a primary    player on whom the secondary is betting, a game in which the    secondary player is participating, a pay table for a game in which    the player (e.g., the secondary player) is participating, and any    other information about the activities of the secondary player. The    information about a player at a terminal may generally give the    player an idea of how he is doing (e.g., how much he has won or    lost) how much money he has left, how much he has just won on a    particular game, what are the games in which he is participating,    and any other useful information or other information related to the    secondary player. In some embodiments, a terminal may indicate to a    player how many comp points he has in total, and/or how many comp    points the player has earned over a particular gaming session (e.g.,    over the gaming session at the terminal). A screen of the terminal    may further include interactive areas where the player can touch or    otherwise interact with in order to receive further information. The    screen may be a touch screen, for example. In various embodiments a    player may touch a screen to reveal the rules of a game. For    example, the player may touch a “rules” button on the screen. In    some embodiments, a player may touch a screen to reveal the pay    table of a game. In some embodiments, a player may touch a screen to    show the pay lines on a game.-   7. Various Screens Show Layers of Information. In various    embodiments, a first display screen at a terminal may show a first    set of information. A player at the terminal may wish to delve    further into the information, however. Thus the player may provide    some indication of where he wants to learn more information. Further    information may then appear on another display screen of the    terminal. Screens may thus have a hierarchical relationship. A first    screen may generally show broad or top-level information. A second    screen may generally show more detailed information on specific    items from the first screen. The first screen may be located    centrally in the field of vision of the player, while the second    screen may be located to the side, high above the player, or    somewhere else not quite as easily visible as is the first screen.    In one example, the first screen may show video footage of a primary    player. The secondary player at the terminal may click on an image    of the primary player in the video in order to learn more about the    primary player. Subsequently, on the second screen, more information    about the primary player may appear. Such information may include    the primary player's name, age, occupation, the type of strategy    typically employed by the primary player, the results of the last    ten games of the primary player, the net winnings of the primary    player in the last 20 minutes, the number of jackpots won by the    primary player in his life, or any other information about the    primary player. In another example, a player at a terminal may be    watching a sporting event. The player may click on a horse, at which    point statistics about the horse may pop up on another screen. In    another example, a player may be watching a feed of a game from a    blackjack table. The player may click on the table in order to see    the percentage of hands won by the dealer, the percentage of hands    won by the primary players at the table, the number of blackjacks    that have been dealt in the last 100 hands, and any other    information about the table. In various embodiments, there may be    several levels of hierarchy among display screens at a terminal. It    may be possible to repeatedly request more and more specific    information on a topic, with each layer of more specific information    appearing on a new screen of the terminal.

The following are embodiments, not claims:

A. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving identifying information for a player at a casino;    -   associating the player with a button;    -   determining that the button has been pressed;    -   identifying footage pertaining to the player; and    -   presenting the footage.

B. The method of embodiment A further including displaying a name of theplayer on the button.

C. The method of embodiment A in which identifying footage includes:

-   -   transmitting to a casino server a request for footage pertaining        to the player; and    -   receiving the footage from the casino server.

D. The method of embodiment A in which presenting the footage includesdisplaying the footage on a display screen.

E. The method of embodiment A in which identifying footage includesidentifying a video showing the face of the player.

F. The method of embodiment A in which identifying footage includesidentifying a video showing the player engaged in play of a game.

G. The method of embodiment A in which identifying footage includesidentifying video showing an indication of game outcomes achieved by theplayer.

H. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving a request from a player at a gaming device to place a        phone call;    -   determining a destination of the phone call;    -   determining a bet that is available at the gaming device;    -   determining a set of rules that are associated with the bet;    -   determining that the placement of the phone call to the        destination is in compliance with the set of rules; and    -   connecting the player to his destination.

I. The method of embodiment H in which receiving a request from a playerincludes receiving from the player at the gaming device an indication ofa set of digits dialed.

J. The method of embodiment H in which determining a bet that isavailable at the gaming device includes determining a bet on a sportingevent that is available on the gaming device.

K. The method of embodiment J in which determining a set of rulesincludes determining that no phone calls are allowed outside the localarea of the gaming device when the bet on the sporting event is placed.

L. The method of embodiment H further including recording the phonecall.

M. The method of embodiment L further including:

-   -   determining that the player has made the bet;    -   determining whether the player has won the bet; and    -   replaying the recorded phone call if the player has won the bet.

N. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving an indication of a first bet from a first player;    -   deducting the amount of the first bet from a credit balance        associated with the first player;    -   receiving a game initiation signal from the first player;    -   determining a first outcome of a first game;    -   displaying graphics associated with the first game on a first        display screen;    -   determining a first payout of the first game based on the first        outcome and based on the first bet;    -   increasing the credit balance associated with the first player        by the amount of the first payout;    -   receiving an indication of a second bet from the first player;    -   deducting the amount of the second bet from the credit balance        associated with the first player;    -   receiving from the first player an indication of a second game        played by a second player;    -   determining a second outcome of the second game;    -   displaying graphics associated with the second game on a second        display screen, in which graphics associated with the second        game are displayed simultaneously to the display of the graphics        associated with the first game;    -   determining a second outcome of the second game;    -   determining a second payout based on the second outcome and        based on the second bet; and    -   increasing the credit balance associated with the first player        by the amount of the second payout.

For example, the second player may be a primary player, and the firstplayer may participate in the game of the primary player as a secondaryplayer. At the same time, the first player may play the first game as aprimary player. Thus, the first player may simultaneously act as both aprimary player and a secondary player.

O. The method of embodiment N in which the second game is playedremotely from the location of the first player.

P. The method of embodiment N in which displaying graphics associatedwith the first game includes displaying a rendition of spinning slotmachine reels.

Q. The method of embodiment N in which displaying graphics associatedwith the second game includes displaying video footage of the secondplayer playing the second game.

Game Sorting

In some embodiments, a primary player may directly participate in a gameof chance. The primary player may place a bet, make game decisions, rolldice (e.g., if the game is a game of craps), and receive winnings andlosses based on his bet, his decisions, and events (e.g., random events)that occur during the game. In some embodiments, a secondary player mayplace bets on games played by a primary player. The secondary player maybet that certain outcomes will occur, that certain decisions will bemade, that certain cards will be dealt, that certain numbers will berolled in a game of dice, or that any other event will occur. Thesecondary player may be removed from the physical location of the game.The secondary player may be uninvolved with any decisions made duringthe game. A secondary player may participate in a game via a remoteterminal, mobile gaming device, or other device. For example, asecondary player may use a terminal with buttons and a monitor to inputbets and to watch the progress of a game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may view data or informationabout games in which the secondary player may participate (e.g., aboutgames on which the secondary player can bet). The secondary player mayview different types of data, may view data in various ways orpresentation formats, may sort the data in different ways, may searchthrough the data in various ways, may filter the data in various ways,and may otherwise view and interact with data about games in variousways.

-   1. Data about a gaming activity. Various data may be associated with    a game, a player, a game table, a gaming device, or with any entity    or event related to gaming. Data may include: (a) a time of day    (e.g., a time of day during which a game was played); (b) a game    type (e.g., video poker; e.g., slots; e.g., craps; e.g., table game;    e.g., “Double Diamond 2005 Video Slots”), (c) a game platform (e.g.,    Game King); (d) the maximum payout or prize of a game; (e) a payout    of an outcome of a game; (f) a probability of an outcome of a    game; (g) a result of the game (e.g., player win; e.g., player loss;    e.g., player won the jackpot; e.g., player entered the bonus round;    e.g., outcome of “cherry-cherry-cherry”); (h) a decision made in a    game (e.g., hit; e.g., discard the first three cards of a video    poker hand) (i) a bet made in a game (e.g., a bet of “red” in    roulette; e.g., a bet of “don't pass” in craps); (j) a quality of a    decision made in a game (e.g., was an optimal decision made; e.g.,    by how much did a strategy deviate from optimal strategy; e.g., was    a strategy chosen that maximized expected player winnings; e.g., was    a strategy chosen that maximized the chances of receiving the    highest possible payout), (k) a player (e.g., a player who played a    particular game), (l) a location (e.g., a city where a game was    played; e.g., an area of a casino where a game was played; e.g., a    shop where a game was played; e.g., a gaming table where a game was    played); (m) a place in a streak (e.g., a game occurred after 3    wins; e.g., a game occurred after 5 losses; e.g., a game occurred    after 3 wins and prior to 6 more wins), (n) a probability or odds    associated with a particular outcome that occurred in a game (e.g.,    a probability associated with an outcome of “bell-bell-bell” that    occurred in a game); (o) an amount won in a game; (p) an amount bet    in a game; (q) one or more cards dealt in a game (e.g., the ace of    spades was dealt in a game; e.g., three diamonds were dealt in a    game); (r) one or more indicia that occurred in a game (e.g.,    “cherry”; e.g., “cherry” and “bell”; e.g., a wild symbol; e.g.,    “bell” or “bar”); (s) a demographic of a player who played a game    (e.g., the primary player of a game is from Wisconsin; e.g., the    player of a game is a nurse); (t) a player celebrity status (e.g.,    the player of a game is a state senator); (u) a popularity of a game    (e.g., a game was the fifth most played game in a casino in the past    week); (v) a popularity of a game from the vantage point of    secondary players (e.g., a game was the most frequently bet on by    secondary players of any type of game) (w) a similarity of one game    to another (e.g., game A has similar rules to game B; e.g., players    who played game A most often played game B); (x) a recommendation,    such as of a game, player, dealer, table, etc. (e.g., Slot Mania got    positive recommendations from 90% of players); (y) an index, such as    an index of players, game results, dealers, game tables, etc. (e.g.,    an index may describe an average amount won by players at a    particular game table; e.g., an index may describe an average amount    won per game at a particular type of game in the last hour); (z) a    game manufacturer (e.g., a game manufacturer associated with a    particular game), (aa) a game rating or review (e.g., by other    players); (bb) a number comps associated with the play of a game; or    any other data about a game related device, entity; (cc) whether or    not a game was a table game; (dd) whether or not a game was played    without player input; (ee) a ratio of how much a player has won to    how much a dealer has won; (ff) a ratio of how much a set of players    has won to how much a dealer has won; or any other data.    -   1.1. Sort by any of the above attributes. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may view data associated with a        plurality of games, gaming devices, players (e.g., primary        players), game tables, or other entities devices, or events. For        example, a secondary player may view a listing of games together        with, for each game, an indication of the time the game was        played, the player who played the game, the amount bet, and the        amount won. The secondary player may sort the listing of games        by the time the game was played, the player who played the game        by the amount of the bet, or by the amount won. Thus, for        example, the secondary player may sort the listing of games into        chronological order by when the games were played. Similarly,        the secondary player may sort the games so that the game with        the most won is at the top of the list, and the game with the        least amount won is at the bottom of the list. In some        embodiments, the secondary player may sort by more than one type        of data. For example, the secondary player may sort first by        amount won and then by amount bet.    -   1.2. Search for any of the above attributes. In some        embodiments, a player may search for a game with a particular        value or a particular instance of any associated type of data.        For example, a player may search for a game played at a        particular time, for a game played by a particular player, for a        gaming table with a highly rated dealer, for a gaming device        located in a particular area of a casino, and/or for any other        particular characteristic. A secondary player may search for        multiple characteristics simultaneously. For example, a        secondary player may search for a gaming device that is located        in a particular area of a casino and which has had 6 payouts of        more than 100 coins in the last hour.        -   In various embodiments, data about games may be stored in a            database, such as in a database located with the casino            server. Various database searches techniques may be used to            find games with particular attributes. For example,            Structured Query Language (SQL) may be used for finding            games with particular attributes.    -   1.3. Search for any of the above attributes with respect to a        group of games, players, tables, dealers, or other objects or        entities. In various embodiments, secondary player may search        for data associated with a set of games, a set of table, a set        of dealers, a set of gaming devices, a set of locations, or a        set of any other objects or entities. For example, a secondary        player may search for: (a) a set of tables at which players have        won more than 60% of the games in the last 5 minutes; (b) a set        of gaming devices that have together paid more than four payouts        of more than $100 in the last 10 minutes; (c) a set of primary        players each of whom uses basic strategy; (d) a set of dealers,        each of whom deals more than 20 hands per hour; or for any other        set satisfying some criterion or criteria. In various        embodiments, there may be some constraint on a set of objects or        entities searched for. For example, a constraint may say that        all must be within the same region, such as a room of a casino.        Otherwise, for example, a set of primary players who uses basic        strategy might be readily found by picking individual primary        players from all around the casino, although this may be        permitted, in some embodiments. In some embodiments, sets of        players, tables, dealers, gaming devices, or other objects or        entities are defined or understood to exist in advance of a        search. For example, gaming devices in a particular bank are        understood to constitute a set of gaming devices. Thus, for        example, a secondary player may search for banks of gaming        devices that satisfy certain criteria, such as banks of gaming        devices that are more than 70% occupied.    -   1.4. Searching for streaks. In various embodiments, a secondary        player may search for a player, game, dealer, gaming device,        game table, or other object or entity that is associated with a        streak. A streak may include some pattern of wins, losses, or        other outcomes. A streak may include a plurality of consecutive        games that were all wins, a plurality of consecutive games that        were all losses, a plurality of consecutive games in which a win        always follows a loss and a loss follows a win, or any other        pattern. A streak may involve only one of something, such as        only one game. For example, a winning streak for a primary        player may be one game long. A streak may not cover consecutive        games. For example, primary player may go on a streak in which        he wins every other game over a period of twenty total games. A        streak may also include overlapping games. For example, primary        players at a gaming table may be on a streak in which primary        players at the table win 15 games without loss. However, many of        those games may have occurred simultaneously (e.g., many of        those games may be against the same dealer cards).        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a            player, game, dealer, gaming device, game table, or other            object or entity that is associated with a streak of a            certain length, such as a streak of seven games. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may search for a primary            player, game, dealer, etc., that is associated with a streak            of at least a certain length, such as with a losing streak            of at least 10 games. For example, a secondary player may            wish to participate in the games of a primary player has            lost at least ten games in a row because the secondary            player may believe the primary player is due to win soon.-   2. Types of displays    -   2.1. Tabular display. In various embodiments, a secondary player        may view data related to a game, gaming device, primary player,        game table, dealer, or other entity or device related to gaming        using a tabular format. Each line in a table may contain related        data, such as data all describing the same game or the same        gaming device. For example, one line in a table may contain data        related to a game. The line may include data describing the time        the game was played, the gaming device at which the game was        played, the amount bet on the game, the top jackpot in the game.        The next line in the table may contain the same type of data,        but about a different game. Thus, each column of the table may        contain a similar type of data, such as a time during which a        game was played. A secondary player may be able to sort the data        using any of the columns. For example, the secondary player may        be able to sort games by time played, so that all games will be        in chronological order. The secondary player may be able to sort        games by type of game, such as video poker or slot machines.        After such a sort, all video poker games would be on adjacent        lines in the table, for example. In various embodiments, a        tabular display may be used to show a list of games, gaming        devices, or other entities or devices to a secondary player only        after the secondary player has used some filtering or sorting        criteria to limit the universe of games (or entities or        devices). Otherwise, the list may be so long as to be unwieldy        or overwhelming for the secondary player. FIG. 10 shows some        embodiments of a tabular display. Column 1020 may indicate the        time a game was played, such as the start time of the game.        Column 1030 may indicate the name of a game or gaming device.        Column 1040 may indicate an amount bet on a game by a primary        player. Column 1050 may indicate an outcome of a game. Column        1060 may indicate an amount won in a game by a primary player.    -   2.2. Geographic (floor plan). In some embodiments, a secondary        player may view a display of a casino floor-plan or other model        of a casino venue. The view may show the location of various        rooms, game tables, gaming devices, people and so on. For        example, the view may represent a scale model of the        configuration of the casino and/or of the objects in a casino.        In some embodiments, a floor plan may not be made according to        scale. For example, the sizes of some rooms relative to others        may be exaggerated. A secondary player may use the floor plan        view to find players, gaming tables, dealers, etc., based on        various search criteria, such as based on a specification of a        range for certain data. Different visual cues on the floor plan,        such as different colors, different shading patterns, different        gray levels, and so on may be used to indicate different types        of data or data within different ranges. For example, red colors        may indicate game tables where players have beaten the dealers,        on average. Green colors may indicate game tables where dealers        have beaten players, on average.        -   2.2.1. Players pick colors and choose what those colors will            represent. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            pick colors, shading patterns, gray scales, or other visual            cues to use on a geographic view of a casino floor or other            gaming venue. For example, a player may choose to use red to            represent gaming devices with jackpots over $2000, orange to            represent gaming devices with jackpots between $1000 and            $2000, and yellow to represent gaming devices with jackpots            below $1000. However, the player may just as easily pick a            different color scheme to represent data on the floor plan.            An interface for the second player may present fixed data            ranges, such as ranges of jackpot levels. The player may            then select a color to correspond to the range, such as from            a menu.        -   2.2.2. Winning devices or players. In some embodiments, a            floor plan view may show in different shades, colors, or            other patterns primary players, gaming devices, game tables,            or other objects or entities that have had distinctive            results. For example, gaming devices which have paid out            more than $100 in the last five minutes may be shown in a            first shaded color. Gaming devices which have paid out more            than $200 in the last five minutes may be shown in a second            shaded color. As another example, positions at a gaming            table where a player has won more than a certain amount in            the last five minutes (or the last X minutes) may be shown            with a color, shading, etc. FIG. 11 shows a floor plan view            according to some embodiments. Reference numeral 1105            corresponds to gaming devices. Reference numeral 1110            corresponds to game tables, each game table including player            positions and a dealer position. Gaming devices 1115, 1120,            1125, and 1130 are shown shaded. The shading may indicate            that such gaming devices have paid out more than a threshold            amount of money in the most recent time period, e.g., in the            last 20 minutes. The different levels of shading (e.g.,            gaming device 1120 has a darker shading than does gaming            device 1130) may indicate that the different gaming devices            have crossed different thresholds. For example, gaming            device 1120 may have paid out $500 in the last 10 minutes,            whereas gaming device 1125 may have paid out only $250 in            the last 10 minutes. Different levels of shading may have            other meanings besides amounts paid out. For example, a            level of shading may indicate a number of games played at a            gaming device, a number of times a bonus round was reached,            a size of a jackpot, a percentage of the time the gaming            device was occupied, a number of consecutive losses, or any            other information. Reference numerals 1135, 1140, and 1145            may indicate player positions at gaming tables. A display of            shading or other color at a player position may convey            various information. Such information may include an amount            won in some period of time, an amount lost in some period of            time, a number of consecutive hands won, a number of times a            particular hand has been achieved (e.g., blackjack), a skill            level, an age of a player, or any other information. The            shading of a player position may indicate information about            the player currently occupying the position (e.g.,            information about the player's amount won over the past day            in any game), or may indicate information about the position            itself (e.g., about how much money was won at this position            in the last hour, regardless of the primary player).            Reference numeral 1150 may indicate a dealer position. The            shading of a dealer position may indicate various            information about the dealer himself (e.g., how quickly this            dealer deals), about the dealer position (e.g., how many            blackjacks did the dealer receive in the past 2 hours,            regardless of who was dealing), or about the table itself            (e.g., what percentage of the games at this table have been            won by primary players in the last hour). In various            embodiments, other parts of a floor play may be shaded or            otherwise patterned. For example, an entire game table may            be shaded. The shading of a game table may indicate that            players at the game table have won a higher percentage of            games than have players at any other game table.        -   2.2.3. Hotspots. A floor plan view may show areas in a            casino where a significant amount of activity is taking            place, or where a significant amount of a certain type of            activity is taking place. For example, a floor plan view may            show areas of a casino where more than 80% of the gaming            devices are occupied. As another example, a floor plan view            may show areas of a casino where more than three jackpots            have been won in the last hour. As another example, a floor            plan view may show areas of a casino where players have net            winnings of more than $10 per player, on average. Areas of            significant activity may be indicated or conveyed with the            use of certain colors, shades, with boundary lines (e.g., an            area of significant activity is shown encircled with a            boundary line) or with any other cues. Further, a player may            select the colors, shades, or other visual cues to be used            for conveying information about certain activity. In various            embodiments, a “hotness meter” may appear in a view of a            casino floor, game table, gaming device or other area. The            “hotness meter” may consist of a color scheme or shading            scheme used to convey information about how well a gaming            device, player, or game is doing, for example. For example,            a red color may indicate that a gaming device is in the top            5% of all gaming devices in terms of being profitable for            players, while a blue color may indicate that a gaming            device is in the bottom 5% in terms of being profitable for            players. A hotness meter may indicate an amount won, a            length of a streak, a profitability of a gaming device, a            popularity of a gaming device, a number of times a bonus            round has been reached, or may indicate any other            information.        -   2.2.4. Where most players are. A floor plan view may show            the locations of players or other casino patrons. Areas with            relatively high concentrations of players may be shown in            one color, while areas with relatively lower concentrations            of players may be shown in another color. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be able to specify a            certain category of primary player. For example, a category            might be: primary players who have won more than $100 in the            last hour; primary players from Minnesota; primary players            who play perfect strategy in video poker; primary player who            are betting more than $10 per game; or any other category.            The floor plan view may then show the locations of primary            players falling into a specified category. For example,            areas with a high concentration of primary players who have            pets may be shown in one color, while areas with a low            concentration of such players may be shown in another color.            To find and display primary players or other casino patrons            falling within a particular category, a secondary player            may, for example, peruse a list of available categories. The            secondary player may select one or more categories. The            secondary player may then select a color or other visual cue            to correspond to one or more selected categories. The            secondary player may select a visual cue for each category            (e.g., where each different category of primary player is to            be shown using a different visual cue). The selected visual            cue may then be used to show the secondary player the            category (or group of categories, e.g., the logical            intersection of several different categories) that the            secondary player has chosen to view. In various embodiments,            a floor plan view may show players (e.g., primary players)            according to some individual identifying information, such            as according to name or according to an alias. For example,            a secondary player may see a dot moving on the floor plan            view of a casino. A text box may hover over the dot as it            moves, indicating the name of the player who the dot            represents.        -   2.2.5. Interactive floor plan view. In various embodiments,            a secondary player may select a region on a floor play, or            may select on object, person, or other entity displayed on            the floor plan. For example, the secondary player may drag a            mouse pointer over a gaming table shown on a floor plan view            of casino. Dragging the mouse pointer over the gaming table            may bring up a bubble or text box which includes information            about the gaming table. For example, the bubble may indicate            the name of the dealer, the percentage of times that players            have won in the last 10 games, the betting limits, the game,            or any other information about the table. A secondary player            may interact with a floor plan view in various other ways,            such as by touching various parts of a touch screen display            device with the floor plan view displayed on it.        -   2.2.6. Show the whole floor as a roulette game or other            game. In various embodiments, a casino floor or other            location within a casino may be shown as one large game. For            example, different regions within the casino floor may be            shown within distinct boundary lines. Each bounded region            may have an identifier. For example, 30 different bounded            regions may be numbered 1 to 30. The secondary player may            choose a region. For example, the secondary player may place            a bet on a particular region. A winning region may then be            determined based on events that actually happen within that            region. For example, the winning region may be the first            region in which a jackpot is won. For example, the winning            region may be the first region in which 10 primary players            achieve a flush in video poker. A region may be chosen based            on any other event or set of events to transpire within that            region. In some embodiments, one or more regions in a casino            may be used to determine a symbol or indicia. For example, a            casino may be divided into five regions. The most frequently            dealt card in each region may be determined. For example,            out of ten games of video poker and four tables of            blackjack, the two of hearts may have been the most            frequently dealt card in a first region. Using five regions,            a hand of video poker may then be determined. The hand of            video poker may be used in a game played by a secondary            player.        -   2.2.7. Some data for floor plan views. A floor plan view of            casino may convey a number of different types of            information. As applicable for any given game, gaming            device, game table, player, dealer, or group thereof, a            floor plan view may indicate: (a) a ratio of amounts won by            a player to amounts won by the house; (b) a length of a            streak or other pattern of outcomes; (c) a name (e.g., of a            player; e.g., of a dealer); (d) a demographic (e.g., of a            player; e.g., of a dealer); (e) a betting limit; (f) a card            that was dealt; (g) a number of times a particular card was            dealt; (h) a proportion of time that a particular card was            dealt (e.g., over the last hour); (i) a speed of play; (j) a            highest amount won (e.g., over the last 10 minutes); (k) a            size of a jackpot; or any other information. Such            information may be indicated using any pattern or color            scheme, using text or video, or using any other mode of            conveyance.        -   2.2.8. Pop up window. In various embodiments, a player may            view a floor plan view or any other view of information            about various games, players, dealers, game tables, gaming            devices, or other objects or entities. The player may move a            mouse pointer over a particular object or entity (e.g., over            a gaming device) and may click on that device. There may be            various other ways of selecting the device. A pop-up window            or other separate window may then appear to allow the player            to view more detailed information or further information            about the object or entity which was selected. The window            may include a video feed of play or action (e.g., at a            gaming device). The window may include a simulation of the            action. The window may include statistics, demographic            information about players or dealers, pay table information,            jackpot information, information about related games,            information about historical games (e.g., for comparison            purposes), or any other type of information. Thus, in            various embodiments, a floor plan view may have one or more            selectable elements. When selected, further information may            be revealed, such as about the objects or entities            represented by those elements. In various embodiments, a            player viewing a floor plan may have the opportunity to zoom            in on one or more portions of the floor plan view, or of the            objects or entities represented. For example, a player may            zoom in on a particular group of gaming devices, or on a            particular set of gaming tables. The representation of such            objects or entities may be expanded to fill a larger screen            area and/or a larger field of view. A player may also zoom            out to view a representation of a larger area of a casino or            more game tables, for example. When a player zooms in, more            information about the objects or entities in the field of            view may be provided. There may be more room to provide such            information since, for example, a representation of a gaming            device may now appear larger and may therefore fit more            text, graphics, or other information on it. Information may            include statistics (e.g., about games which have occurred at            a gaming device), jackpot sizes, payout amounts, player            demographic information, or any other information.        -   2.2.9. Searching for data using filters. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may search for games,            dealers, game tables, or primary players, based on various            types of data. A secondary player may specify a range of            values for a particular type of data, and may find all            games, dealers, game tables, or primary players with            associated data falling in the specified range. For example,            a secondary player may specify a range of gross winnings            paid by a gaming device in the last hour, where the range is            specified as from $500 to $2000. Thus, every gaming device            which has paid $500 to $2000 in the last hour may be found.            Such gaming devices may be highlighted on a floor-plan view            of a casino. In some embodiments, all other gaming devices            besides those with gross winnings falling in the specified            range may be blacked out or grayed out in a floor-plan view            of the casino. Thus, the specification of a range of data            may serve as a filter that highlights or brings to            prominence those devices (or games or players or game            tables, etc.) falling within a specified range, while            filtering out those that do not. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may specify multiple filters. The filters            may successively eliminate games, gaming devices, game            tables, or other entities as ranges for more types of data            are specified. For example, a secondary player may specify a            particular game manufacturer (e.g., IGT), so that all gaming            devices not manufactured by the game manufacturer are            blacked out from a casino floor plan. The player may further            specify a range for the top jackpot (e.g., $1000 to $2000).            All remaining gaming devices with top jackpots outside this            range may be blacked out. In this way, a secondary player            may successively narrow down a list or a view of gaming            devices (or players, entities, game table, etc.). This may            help the secondary player to hone in on a gaming device that            he wishes to bet on.    -   2.3. Virtual Tour Display (you can move virtually through the        casino and see overlaid statistics). In some embodiments, a        secondary player may view a casino as if he were walking through        it. For example, the view of the casino may be as from a camera        that was positioned somewhere within the casino. The view may        evolve as if the camera was moving. In some embodiments, a        secondary player may view a casino as if he were flying through        it, going through walls, or performing other stunts. The player        may view actual footage from the casino, or the player may view        a simulated rendition of the casino. The player may navigate        through the rendition of the casino by, for example,        manipulating a joystick in the direction he wishes to proceed.        As the secondary player takes the “virtual tour” of the casino,        the secondary player may view things that a person would        normally see while walking through the casino. Namely, the        secondary player may see gaming devices, game tables, people,        works of art, etc. In some embodiments, the secondary player may        see additional information overlays that would not be visible to        someone walking through the actual casino. The player may see        information superimposed on a gaming device. The information may        indicate the length of a streak of games where a primary player        has won at the gaming device, the last outcome achieved at the        gaming device, the time of the most recent jackpot payout, or        any other information. Similarly, information may be        superimposed over the image of a gaming table. The information        may indicate current players at the gaming table, the ratio of        the amount players have won to the amount dealers have won in        the last hour, the popularity of the dealer, or any other        information related to the gaming table. Thus, in various        embodiments, a secondary player may take a virtual tour of a        casino, or of any other location, with various features,        objects, or people having informative tags that may not be        present or visible in the real world. A secondary player taking        a virtual tour may thus be able to readily find a game, a        primary player, a dealer, a gaming table, or other game or        entity that suits his preferences.    -   2.4. Ladder display—could be a bar graph, or just a graph with        the cards. A ladder display may include a first axis        representing some set of units. The units may be an amount won        at a gaming device in the last hour, for example. As another        example, the units may be games in the current winning streak.        At various points along the axis may be a number, bar, picture,        or other depiction representing a quantity of something that        fits at that point on the axis. For example, a number “30” at        the point 5 units above the origin on the axis may indicate that        there are 30 gaming devices that have just made a payout of $5.        A number 31 at a point 8 units above the origin on the axis may        indicate that there are 31 gaming devices that have just made a        payout of $8. In some embodiments, a ladder display may show a        ratio of an amount players have won to an amount that the house        has won. Locations on the axis may correspond to ratios such as        0.8 (players have won 80 cents for every dollar the house has        won), 1.0 (players and the house have won equal amounts of        money), and 1.2 (players have won $1.20 for every dollar the        house has won). At various points on the axis there may be bars,        with the length of such bars corresponding to the number of        gaming tables that should fall at that point on the axis. For        example, a bar that appears one inch long extending horizontally        from the point on the vertical axis corresponding to a ratio of        0.9 may indicate that there are 3 gaming tables where players        have won 90 cents for every dollar won by a dealer. A bar that        appears two inches long extending horizontally from the point on        the vertical axis corresponding to a ratio of 1.0 may indicate        that there are 6 gaming tables where players have won $1 for        every $1 that the house has won.        -   In various embodiments, a ladder display may indicate the            average amount that players are ahead or behind at a table.            For example, for each $25 dollar range (e.g., −$25 to 0, 0            to $25, $25 to $50, etc.) that ladder display may show the            number of gaming tables such that players at those tables            are ahead by an average number of dollars falling within the            range. For example, the ladder display may show that there            are 4 gaming tables where the average player is ahead            anywhere from $25 to $50.        -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may drill down            further into the data making up a ladder display. For            example, a secondary player may see from a ladder display            that there are four gaming devices where the player has won            the last five games in a row. The secondary player may then            wish to further inquire as to which four gaming devices            those are. The player may indicate such a desire in various            ways. For example, the player may click on the number “4” on            the ladder display indicating the number of gaming devices            where the last five games in a row have been won. A text            window may then appear showing details about such gaming            devices, such as the locations, the type of game, the name            of the primary players at the gaming devices, and so on.        -   In various embodiments, a ladder display may show the number            of times that a particular indicium appeared, or the number            of gaming devices at which a particular indicium appeared,            or the number of gaming tables at which a particular card            appeared, or the number of games in which a particular            combination of cards appeared. For example, each position on            the axis may represent a different card. Thus, for example,            there may be 52 positions on the axis. A first position may            correspond to an ace of spades, a second position may            correspond to a king of spades, and so on. At each position            may be listed a number, such as “12”. The “12” may indicate            that there have been 12 gaming devices in the last 30            seconds at which the ace of spades has been dealt. It may be            possible for a single gaming device to be counted twice in            the ladder display, since more than one card may have been            dealt at the gaming device.        -   In some embodiments, each position on the axis of a ladder            display may correspond to a combination of indicia. For            example, a position may correspond to “bell-bell-bell”. A            number listed at the position may indicate the number of            gaming devices that have generated the outcome            “bell-bell-bell” in the last 10 minutes of time (or in the            last X period of time). As another example, a position on            the axis of a ladder display may correspond to “As Ks Js 10h            10d”. A corresponding number may indicate how many video            poker games have generated the above card combination in the            last hour.        -   Various embodiments contemplate a ladder display where an            axis is oriented vertically, horizontally, or in any other            orientation.    -   2.5. Time varying attribute (things evolving over time), e.g.,        winnings as a function of time. In various embodiments, a        display may include an indication of changing data, changing        games, changing circumstances, or other changes occurring over        time. A floor plan view of a casino may indicate a time        evolution in some circumstance. For example, a floor plan view        of a casino may indicate a first gaming table where players were        winning the most at a first point in time. The floor plan view        of the casino may indicate a second gaming table where players        were winning the most at a second point in time. An arrow may be        drawn from the first gaming table to the second gaming table,        showing how the state of meeting certain criteria (in this case        being the table where players win the most) has changed over        time. Multiple points in time may be shown, and a secondary        player may thereby see how the “crown” of being the table where        players win the most has shifted over time. A secondary player        may attempt to discern a pattern as to which table will be the        next table where primary players win the most. For example, the        secondary player may say to himself, “These three most recent        arrows seem to show a shift to the west of the casino.        Therefore, I think the next table which will be the best for        players will be this other table on the western side of the        casino.”        -   FIG. 12 shows a floor plan view according to some            embodiments. A number of gaming devices are shown. Some            gaming devices are shaded, indicating that such gaming            devices paid out the most in net winnings over a particular            five-minute interval of any other gaming device. Gaming            device 1210 paid out the most during a first five minute            interval. Gaming device 1220 paid out the most during a            second, later five minute interval. Gaming device 1230 paid            out the most during a third, even later five minute            interval. Arrows 1250, and 1260 show the progression of the            highest paying gaming devices over time. Gaming device 1240            is shaded in a different tone to that of gaming devices            1210, 1220, and 1230, indicating that it is predicted to be            the gaming device that will pay the most in the coming            five-minute period. Gaming device 1240 may have been chosen,            for example, to complete a somewhat rectangular pattern that            would be formed among gaming devices 1210, 1220, 1230, and            1240.        -   In various embodiments, a time evolution of circumstances            may be shown with respect to a single game, a single table,            a single player, a single gaming device, a single dealer, or            any other single object or entity. For example, a display            may show the trend of a player's net winnings over time. The            display may show a chart such that at each point in time,            the player's cumulative net winnings since the start of the            player's gaming session is shown. As another example, a            display may show the time between the start of games at a            particular gaming table as a function of time. For example,            the display may show that it was an average of two minutes            between the start of games at a table between 10:00 am and            10:30 am, but it was two minutes and thirty seconds on            average between the start of games at the table between            10:30 am and 11:00 am.        -   In various embodiments, a time evolution of circumstances            may be shown with respect to a group or set of games,            tables, players, dealers, gaming devices, or any other set            of objects or entities. For example, a display may show, for            a bank of 10 gaming devices, how many times payouts over $20            have been paid in each five-minute interval over the last            three hours.        -   In various embodiments, a time evolution of circumstances            may be shown in tabular format. For example, each row in a            table may correspond to a particular point in time. Data            associated with each point in time may include a payout paid            at that point in time, a decision made in a game at that            point in time, an outcome that occurred at that point in            time, and so on.        -   In various embodiments, the ability to see data or            circumstances as they evolve over time may give a secondary            player a chance to try to predict where a trend is leading.            For example, if a group of gaming devices has been paying            greater payouts, on average, during each five-minute            interval over the last hour, a secondary player may assume            this trend will continue and may thereby wish to participate            in a game played at one of the gaming devices in the group.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be given            access to a prediction tool or tools. The prediction tools            may allow the secondary player to use a set of known data            and to extrapolate possible future occurrences based on the            known data. For example, a prediction tool may be able to            perform linear regressions, to perform predictions using            neural networks, to perform predictions using a set of            rules, or to perform predictions in any other fashion. The            secondary player may use a prediction tool in conjunction            with various data (e.g., with various data about games,            gaming devices, etc.) and may thereby determine a game in            which to participate. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may allow a bet to be placed automatically on his            behalf based on the outputs of a prediction tool. In various            embodiments, a prediction tool may be a software program            that resides on a casino server. In various embodiments, a            person, such as a “resident expert” may make predictions as            to which games are likely to be favorable for a secondary            player to participate in. The resident expert may supply his            predictions to one or more secondary players. A secondary            player may pay to receive the services of a person making            predictions and/or of a prediction tool. A resident expert            may be a casino employee. In some embodiments, it may be            determined which of a plurality of secondary players has had            the greatest success (e.g., has won the most over a certain            period of time). This secondary player may be chosen or            selected to be a “resident expert”. Other secondary player            may then have the opportunity to use the predictions of the            chosen secondary player. In various embodiments, data about            the success of secondary players may be made available to            other secondary players. For example, data about what            percentage of bets have won for a first secondary player may            be made available to a second secondary player. The            secondary player, based on his own evaluation of the data,            may then determine whether or not to participate in the same            games as does the first secondary player.    -   2.6. Network diagram (one game related to another game, which is        related to another game). A network with related things joined        together) games played by the same player. In various        embodiments, a display may represent gaming devices, players,        dealers, gaming tables, or other objects or entities as nodes on        a network. The nodes may be connected to each other based on        some similarity between the players (or games, or game tables,        etc.) represented by the nodes. For example, two gaming devices        that are both video slot machines with five reels may be shown        as near to one another in the network, perhaps with a direct        connection between them. As another example, two games for which        the jackpot size is the same may be shown as being near to one        another in the network. In one example, a first gaming device        featuring a particular game and accepting $1 chips is shown        connected in the network diagram to a second gaming device        featuring the same game and accepting quarters. The second        gaming device is, in turn, shown connected to a third gaming        device featuring the particular game but accepting nickels. The        first and third gaming devices may not be shown as being        directly connected.        -   In various embodiments, a network display may show primary            players. Primary players may be shown connected or near to            one another based on: strategies used by the primary players            (e.g., primary player use of basic strategy); games played            by primary players (e.g., primary players nearby on the            diagram all like blackjack); times when the primary players            are active (e.g., primary players near to one another on the            diagram may play at similar times); demographic of the            primary player (e.g., primary players near to one another on            the diagram may be within similar age groups; e.g., primary            players near to one another on the diagram may have            occupations in similar industries).        -   In various embodiments, a network diagram may show dealers'            relationships to one another. Dealers may be located close            to one another based on how quickly the dealers deal, based            on how full the tables are when the dealers deal, based on            how many mistakes the dealers make, based on how much            players usually win when the dealers deal, and/or based on            any other factors.        -   A display which shows gaming devices, players, dealers, or            other objects or entities as being connected does not            necessarily imply that there is any physical connection            between the objects or entities. Rather, the display may            seek to illustrate similarities between objects or entities            by showing such objects or entities as being proximate to            one another or connected to one another in terms of the            network display. A secondary player may find a network            display useful if, for example, he finds that he likes            participating in games of a certain type of gaming device            and wishes to find other gaming devices with similar            characteristics. To do so, he may find other gaming devices            in the network display that are connected to the gaming            device he already likes.        -   A network display may be developed or built in various ways.            Objective data about gaming devices, players, dealers, or            other objects or entities may be used. For example, the            casino server may have data about a gaming device's jackpot,            its manufacturer, whether it uses video reels or mechanical            reels, or data about any other feature of the gaming device.            Objective data may be used to place devices (or players, or            dealers, etc.) near to other gaming devices with similar            objective data (e.g., with a similar manufacturer; e.g.,            with a similar jackpot). A network display may be built            based on the activities of secondary players. If the games            of two different gaming devices tend to be participated in            by many of the same secondary players, such gaming devices            may be deemed similar, at least insofar as preferences of            secondary players. Therefore, such gaming devices may be            located near to one another on a network display. Thus, a            network display may tend to place near to one another, or            connected to one another, gaming devices, primary players,            dealers, gaming tables, games, etc., that tend to be            preferred by the same secondary players.        -   FIG. 13 shows a network display according to some            embodiments. Each node, such as nodes 1310 and 1320            represents a gaming device. Some information about each            gaming device is displayed on a node, including the type of            game, the size of the jackpot, the amount won or lost at the            gaming device in the last 20 minutes, and age and gender of            the primary player at the gaming device. Gaming devices with            one or more common or similar characteristics may tend to be            connected to each other in the network display.    -   2.7. Combination display and betting interface. Drag chips to        certain games on the display to make a bet. In various        embodiments, a display may show a representation of a game, a        player, a dealer, a game table, or a game. A secondary player        may, in some embodiments, use the display to gather information.        In some embodiments, a display may be used as a betting        interface. A player may place bets on a gaming device, for        instance, by selecting or designating the gaming device on the        display. For example, a secondary player may drag a        representation of a gaming chip onto a representation of a        gaming device using a computer mouse. Doing so may indicate that        the secondary player is placing a bet equal to the amount        represented by the gaming chip on the next game to be played at        the gaming device. A player may designate a gaming device in        various other ways, such as by double clicking on the        representation of the gaming device, such as by circling the        gaming device with a mouse pointer, and so on. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may designate a primary player        using a display. For example, a display may show representations        of various primary players. A secondary player may drag a        representation of a gaming chip onto a representation of a        selected primary player. The secondary player may thereby place        a bet on the next game of the selected primary player. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may drag representations        of gaming chips onto a representation of a gaming table (e.g.,        in order to place a bet on the next game played at that gaming        table), onto a representation of a dealer (e.g., in order to        place a bet on the next game played by that dealer), onto a        representation of a game (e.g., in order to place a bet on the        next instance of that game that is played anywhere in the        casino), and so on.    -   2.8. Different windows for different games out there. The one in        progress comes to the foreground. Or there are different        criteria for coming to the foreground. In some embodiments, a        secondary player may participate in two or more different types        of games. A secondary player may participate in games at two or        more different gaming devices. A secondary player may        participate in the games of two or more primary players. A        secondary player may participate in the games of two or more        dealers. A secondary player may participate in games at two or        more tables. In various embodiments, a secondary player may        participate in two or more separate games at approximately the        same times. For example, the secondary player may place a first        bet on a first game at a first gaming table. While the first        game is still in progress, the secondary player may place a        second bet on a second game at a second gaming table. The first        game may resolve while the second game is still in progress. The        secondary player may thereupon place a third bet on a third game        at the first gaming table. While the third game is still in        progress, the second game may finish. The secondary player may        thereupon place a fourth bet on a fourth game at the second        gaming table. Thus, for example, the secondary player may        simultaneously participate in games at two or more gaming        tables.        -   In various embodiments, where a secondary player            participates in multiple different games at the same time,            games falling into different categories may be shown in            different windows. For example, games at different gaming            tables may be shown in different windows. For example, games            at different gaming devices may be shown in different            windows. For example, the games of different primary players            may be shown in different windows. In various embodiments,            games with a common characteristic may be shown in the same            window. For example, games from the same gaming table may be            shown in the same window. A secondary player may, for            example, place bets on the games of two different primary            players, both of whom are sitting at the same gaming table.        -   In various embodiments, a display may alternately bring            windows to the foreground based on events that happen in            games featured in those windows. For example, when a game            featured in a window comes to a resolution, the window            featuring the game may come to the foreground. This may            allow a secondary player to see what the result of the game            was and how much he won. It may also give the secondary            player the opportunity to bet on a new game that is to            follow the game that just finished (e.g., a new game that is            to be played at the same gaming device as was the game that            just finished; e.g., a new game that is to be played by the            same primary player as was the game that just finished;            e.g., a new game that is to be played at the same gaming            table as was the game that was just finished). In various            embodiments, a window may come to the foreground when a            featured game is about to come to a resolution. This may            allow the secondary player a moment of anticipation before            seeing the resolution. In various embodiments, a window may            come to the foreground when there is a possibility of a            large payout being won. For example, a window may feature a            game of video poker. If an intermediate outcome of four            cards to a royal flush is dealt, the window may come to the            foreground, since there is a significant possibility that a            royal flush payout may be won. In various embodiments, a            window may come to the foreground if a decision is to be            made in a game. For example, if a window features a game of            blackjack, the window may be brought to the foreground if a            decision is to be made or is about to be made in the game.            The secondary player may thereby see the decision and may            also have the opportunity to evaluate the skill of the            primary player making the decision. In various embodiments,            a window may come to the foreground if an unusual event            happens in the featured game. An unusual event may include a            decision that is contrary to basic strategy or optimal            strategy, an occurrence of a high-payout outcome (e.g., a            jackpot at a slot machine), a situation where every player            at a table gets the same outcome; a situation where every            player at a table wins; situation where every player at a            table loses; or any other event that may be considered rare            or unusual.        -   In various embodiments, a window may be removed from the            foreground if gaming activity ceases in the game or games            that were featured in the window. For example, if a gaming            table is closed down, a window featuring games from the            gaming table may be removed from the foreground, or removed            altogether.        -   A window may include a bounded region on a display screen,            such as a rectangular region. The region may have a            well-defined border. The region may show images, text, or            other visual cues which are distinct from those in areas            outside the window. When a window comes to the foreground,            the complete area of the window may be visible. Parts of the            areas of other windows may be obscured by the window in the            foreground. When a new window comes to the foreground, parts            of the window that was previously in the foreground may            become obscured.    -   2.9. Displays of people's faces or avatars (sort by mood, or        other facial features). In various embodiments, a display may        show the faces of primary players. The faces may be real faces,        or the faces may be animated faces that do not necessarily        mirror the actual appearance of the primary player. Faces of        primary players may be shown from photographs previously taken        of the primary players. Faces of primary players may be shown        live, e.g., based on footage taken by a camera of a primary        player as he plays a gaming device. By viewing the faces of        primary players, secondary players may have more information        available to them in determining which games to participate in.        For example, a secondary player may think to himself, “That guy        looks like he knows what he is doing, so I′ll bet on him.” As        another example, a secondary player may think, “She is looking        very lucky today, I think I′ll bet on her.”        -   In various embodiments, to participate in a game of a            primary player, a secondary player may click on the face of            the primary player on the display viewed by the secondary            player. The secondary player may select the face of the            primary player in other ways as well. The secondary player            may also view the face of a primary player, but my actually            select the primary player in a different manner, such as by            typing in a name or identifier associated with the primary            player.        -   In various embodiments, software tools may be available for            discerning information about a primary player based on            images of the primary player's face. For example, software            may be used to determine (e.g., to determine with some            probability) the mood of a primary player. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may sort or search primary            players based on the moods of the primary players. For            example, a secondary player may search for a primary player            that is “happy” because the secondary player may feel such a            primary player is likely to be on a winning streak. Software            that analyzes images of a primary player may also be used to            infer other information, such as age, ethnicity, gender, or            health. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            search or sort primary players based on any information that            is discernable from images of the primary players.        -   In various embodiments, a display may feature images of            dealers, such as images of dealers' faces. A display may            also feature avatars of dealers' faces. A secondary player            may choose a game to play based on the appearance of the            dealer who is dealing that game. For example, a secondary            player may wish to participate in a game of a dealer who            appears to be in a bad mood, since the bad mood may signify            to the secondary player that the house is losing. In various            embodiments, software tools may be used to determine            information about a dealer from images of the dealer. In            various embodiments, software tools may be used to search or            to sort dealers based on information that is discerned from            images of the dealers.    -   2.10. A virtual world display. So games are organized into a        virtual world. In various embodiments, a display may scenes from        a virtual world. The virtual world may appear like a fantasy        landscape, a dessert, a pasture, or the inside of a building.        Within the virtual world may be representations of gaming tables        or gaming devices. Such representations may have a similar        appearance to actual gaming tables or gaming devices. In some        embodiments, representations of gaming tables or gaming devices        may have completely different appearances. For example, a gaming        table may be represented as a large mushroom, while a gaming        device may be represented as a rose bush. A secondary player may        select a mushroom in order to participate in games at the gaming        table represented by the mushroom. In some embodiments, a        virtual world may organize gaming devices and game tables in        different ways than they are organized in a real casino. For        example, rather than intermingling different types of games, a        virtual world may present all gaming devices of a first type in        one area, all gaming devices of a second type in another area,        and so on. Thus, it may be easy for a secondary player to find a        game he might be looking for within the virtual world. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may navigate the virtual        world as if from the vantage point of a person walking within        it. For example, the secondary player may move a joystick        forward so as to get closer to objects which appear distant on        the screen. Similarly the secondary player may move the joystick        backwards so as to get further way from objects which appear        distant on the screen.    -   2.11. Ways to distribute information over multiple displays        screens (e. g., different floor of the casino on each display).        In various embodiments, a terminal, computer, or other device        used by a secondary player may include multiple display screens.        On the multiple display screens, a secondary player may view        information about games in which he is participating, about        games that are available for him to participate in, about his        current credit balances, about options for betting on games,        and/or about any other pertinent topic. There may be various        ways to divide the information shown to the secondary player        over the various screens.        -   2.11.1. Different games. In various embodiments, different            screens may be used to display information about different            games. For example, on a first screen, a secondary player            may watch the progress of a video poker game, while on a            second screen a secondary player may watch the progress of a            slot machine game. As another example, a secondary player            may watch the progress of a game at a first gaming device on            one screen, while he watches the progress of a game at a            second gaming device on another screen.        -   2.11.2. Different types of games. In various embodiments,            information about games of a first type may be displayed on            a first screen, while information about games of a second            type may be displayed on a second screen. For example,            information about table games may be displayed on a first            screen, while information about games from gaming devices            may be displayed on a second screen. As another example,            roulette games may be displayed on one screen, while video            poker games are displayed on another screen.        -   2.11.3. Different views of a game. (From the top, or as if            you were playing). In various embodiments, different screens            may be used to show views of the same game from different            vantage points. For example, a secondary player may be            participating in a table game of blackjack. One view may            show the game unfolding as if the secondary player was            sitting in the primary player's shoes. Thus, the secondary            player may be able to see the cards dealt, but may not be            able to see the primary player. Another view may show the            game unfolding as if the secondary player was hovering            overhead. Thus, in the second view, the secondary player may            see top of the primary player's head and the cards dealt.            Other views may also be possible, such as a view from the            vantage point of the dealer or such as a view from the            underside of the table.        -   2.11.4. Control panel versus game information. In various            embodiments, one screen may show the progress of a game in            which a secondary player is participating. Another screen            may show controls or interfaces that the secondary player            may use. Controls or interfaces may include controls for            selecting a game in which to participate, controls for            selecting an amount to bet, controls for entering search            criteria (e.g., search criteria for finding a game of            interest to the secondary player), or controls for making            any other gaming related decision, or other decision. The            screen featuring the controls may be a touch screen, in some            embodiments.        -   2.11.5. Game view versus view of statistics (e.g., about a            player, gaming device, dealer, etc.). In various            embodiments, a first screen may show the progress of a game            in which the secondary player is participating. A second            screen may show statistics or other information. The            statistics or other information may be related in some way            to the game being shown on the first screen. The statistics            may indicate the probability that one or more outcomes will            occur, the number of times similar cards have been dealt            already in the last day, the place in a streak that a            certain game occupies (e.g., this is the eighth game in a            losing streak), or other information. Statistics may relate            to the primary player of a game. For example, statistics may            indicate the net winnings of the primary player over the            last two hours, the typical strategy used by the primary            player, the number of times the primary player has won a            jackpot in his life, the city the primary player is from, or            any other information about the primary player. The second            screen may also show statistics about a dealer, game, or            gaming table.        -   2.11.6. One screen is common to several secondary players.            For example, all secondary players are participating in the            games at one table. In various embodiments, two or more            secondary players may be in proximity to one another. A            screen may be visible to both of the secondary players. The            screen may show information that is relevant to both            secondary players. For example, both secondary players may            be participating in games at the same gaming table. The            screen visible to both secondary players may show the            dealer's cards, or may show a view of the gaming table from            high up so that all games at the table are visible. Each of            the secondary players may have his own personal screen as            well. A personal screen may show information that is more            pertinent to the individual secondary player. For example, a            personal screen may show the cards of the primary player for            the game in which the secondary player is participating.            Another secondary player may be participating in the game of            a different primary player, and so may be unconcerned about            such cards.    -   2.12. You can have an actual physical machine recreate what's        going on down there. E.g., a wheel of fortune on your machine        spins. But it just says “reenactment”. In various embodiments, a        game played on a first gaming device may be reenacted on a        second gaming device. For example, a primary player may play a        first game at a first gaming device. A second gaming device        located near a secondary player may receive information about        the first game. The second gaming device may then reenact the        first game by, e.g., displaying similar indicia as were        displayed in the first game, by making similar sounds as were        made in the first game, by flashing similar lights as were        flashed in the first game, and/or by otherwise mimicking the        first gaming device. Thus, the second gaming device may function        as a three dimensional display, and may be used to recreate or        reenact games played at the first gaming device. In some        embodiments, a gaming device near the secondary player may        include a spinning wheel, as in a Wheel of Fortune game. The        second gaming device may spin the wheel in the manner that the        wheel was spun at the first gaming device. The secondary player        may then feel the experience of watching a nearby wheel spin. In        various embodiments, a device which is not a complete gaming        device may nevertheless be used to reenact parts of a game that        occurred on a first gaming device, e.g., in a game played by a        primary player. For example, a device may include a spinning        wheel as in the Wheel of Fortune game, but may not include a        video display or spinning reels. In various embodiments, when a        device is used to reenact or recreate a game, the device may        clearly indicate that the game is only a reenactment that the        game is not original, that the game will not pay out real        winnings, or may provide some other related indication. When a        device provides an indication that a game is only a reenactment,        problems such as a person claiming a jackpot shown by the device        may be avoided.-   3. Zooming in. In some embodiments, a secondary player may wish to    watch the progress of a game. For example, the secondary player may    wish to watch the progress of a game as it is played. As another    example, the secondary player may wish to watch the progress of a    game that had been played in the past, as if the game was currently    being played (e.g., the player wishes to watch footage or a    reenactment of the game). A secondary player may, for example, be    perusing a floor plan view of a casino. The secondary player may    find a gaming table where players have won 80% of the last 40 hands    dealt. The secondary player may therefore wish to watch games at    that table as the games unfold. A secondary player may indicate in    various ways that he wishes to watch a game in progress. The    secondary player may click on a gaming device or game table from a    floor plan view of a casino. The secondary player may click on a    line or record corresponding to a gaming device in a tabular view in    order to watch games progressing at that gaming device. The    secondary player may also key in the name of a game type, a location    in a casino, or any other criteria that may narrow down the universe    of gaming devices or players. Once the universe is narrowed down to    one or a few games, such games may be watched as they are in    progress. For example, the secondary player may be able to watch in    real or in near time as bets are made, as cards are dealt.    -   In some embodiments, a player may watch the progress of a game        together with other information. The other information may be        information that was not present in the original footage. For        example, the casino server may add to the game footage text        indicating a probability of a certain final outcome occurring,        text indicating the name of a player, text indicating what        happened the last time a similar intermediate outcome occurred        (e.g., text indicating what happened the last time a primary        player drew to a royal flush), or any other text overlay.    -   3.1. Video. In some embodiments, a secondary player may watch        the progress of a game via video. The video may represent actual        footage, such as from a camera overlooking a gaming table or        gaming device. The video may be live, delayed or it may        represent footage that has been stored from a previously played        game.    -   3.2. Simulation. In some embodiments, a secondary player may        watch the progress of a game via a simulation. The simulation        may be a simulated reenactment of the game. The reenactment may        feature the dealing of animated cards and the placement of bets        by animated hands holding animated chips. The simulation may        show actual indicia which have occurred or are occurring in a        game. The simulation may shown an animated spinning of slot        machine reels, the animated roll of dice, or the animated        spinning of a roulette wheel, for example.    -   3.3. Battle Blackjack. In various embodiments, a game may be        simulated or reenacted metaphorically. For example, rather than        showing the cards dealt in a game of blackjack, a reenactment        may show two people arm wrestling. As the advantage in the game        shifts one way (e.g., the player has a favorable hand, such as a        20 in blackjack versus a 16 for the dealer), the arm wrestler        representing the player with the advantage may be shown to be        winning the arm wrestling battle (e.g., the arm wrestler        representing the player may be shown having pressed the arm of        his opponent to within one inch of the table). Similarly, if the        player's opponent (e.g., the dealer or another game player)        gains an advantage, the arm wrestler representing the opponent        may be shown to gain the advantage in the arm wrestling battle.        Many other metaphors for a reenacting a game may be used,        including various sporting contests, battles, wars, or other        confrontations or activities. The advantage of one player or        another in a game may be determined probabilistically. For        example, the advantage may be determined based on a player's        chance of winning a game. A player's advantage may also be        determined with the assumption of a particular strategy, such as        basic strategy or optimal strategy.    -   3.4. Commentary—good or bad decision. In various embodiments, a        game reenactment, or live game may be shown together with        commentary on the game. The commentary may indicate whether        decisions made in the game were good or bad. For example, a        comment may indicate that a player made a good decision, e.g., a        decision according to basic strategy. As another example, a        comment may indicate that a player made a decision which gave up        $2 in expected value. Comments may indicate other things. For        example, a comment might indicate what a player might be        thinking. For example, “John is considering between hitting or        standing right here. Both would be reasonable decisions, though        hitting is considered slightly better under normal conditions.”    -   3.5. Simple text description of the game. In various        embodiments, a reenactment of a game or a live display of the        progress of a game may be text-based. For example, text may say,        “Player Henry M. is dealt the A 7 . . . .” Thus, a secondary        player may get enough information to reconstruct a game, but may        not necessarily see indicia or other game events in the form        that they originally or actually happen. In various embodiments,        a secondary player may hear audio descriptions of a game. The        secondary player may hear audio commentary too.-   4. Player wants to be in a game with certain criteria. As the    criteria change, the player is automatically switched to the new    table. E.g., I want to be on the table with the best winning streak.    So it switches you. So currently you might pick a table. Then, you    check a box that says keep me on the table that has the most    winnings streak. In some embodiments, a secondary player may    indicate criteria for participating in a game. The criteria may    specify a primary player of the game, a game type, a bet amount, a    location in a casino, or any other data related to the game. The    casino server may find games matching criteria desired by the    secondary player (e.g., criteria specified by the secondary player).    The casino may then allow the secondary player to participate in one    or more of such games. For example, the casino server may allow the    player to place a bet on one or more of such games and to receive    winnings based on the outcomes of one or more such games. In some    embodiments, a secondary player may continue to participate in    successive games played at a particular gaming device, a particular    table, played by a particular primary player, or otherwise having    something in common. For example a secondary player may continue to    participate in successive games played at a particular slot machine.    The particular slot machine may be a slot machine that has matched    criteria specified by the secondary player. For example, the slot    machine may be a slot machine that has paid out the most of any slot    machine in the casino in the past half hour. However, it may happen    that, over time, a game, player, gaming table, gaming device, or    other device or entity no longer satisfies the same criteria that it    originally satisfied. For example, for a few minutes a particular    slot machine may hold the distinction of having paid out more money    in the most recent half hour than any other slot machine. However,    during the course of those few minutes, other slot machines may make    large payouts, so that the first slot machine is no longer the    highest paying slot machine in the most recent half hour. Thus, in    some embodiments, a secondary player may wish to switch gaming    devices, to switch primary players, to switch game tables, or to    make some other switch so that the secondary player can continue to    participate in games that currently meet his desired criteria. Thus,    for example, a secondary player may begin play at a first slot    machine that has paid the most of any slot machine in the last half    hour. When a new slot machine becomes the slot machine that has paid    the most in the most recent half hour, the secondary player may    cease participating in games at the first slot machine and may    switch to participating in games of the new slot machine.    -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may specify criteria for        a game in which he wishes to participate. The casino server may        find a first game satisfying the criteria and allow the        secondary player to participate in the game. The secondary        player may then continue to participate in games having        something in common with the first game, such as in games played        by the same primary player as the first game, such as in games        played at the same gaming device as the first game, such as in        games played at the same gaming table as the first game, such as        in games played by the same dealers as the first game, and so        on. At some point, the casino server may determine that the        games in which the secondary player will participate (e.g., if        he keeps participating in the games of the same primary player;        e.g., if he keeps participating in games at the same gaming        table) will no longer meet the original criteria set forth by        the secondary player. At this point, the secondary player may be        switched so that he is now participating in games that do meet        his original criteria. In various embodiments, a secondary        player may specify whether he wishes to be switched from        participating in a first set of games (e.g., from participating        in a games of a first primary player) to participating in a        second set of games (e.g., to participating in the games of a        second primary player). The secondary player may indicate a        desire to be switched when he originally specifies criteria for        participating in games. For example, a secondary player may        specify that he wishes to participate in the games of a first        primary player who has the highest net winnings of any primary        player over the last hour. The secondary player may further        specify that the moment a different primary player overtakes the        first primary player in terms of having the highest net winnings        in the last hour, the secondary player would like stop        participating in the games of the first primary player and begin        participating in the games of the new, different primary player.    -   In various embodiments, when the games in which a secondary        player is participating no longer satisfy the criteria specified        by the secondary player for participating in games, the        secondary player may be switched to new games automatically. For        example, the secondary player may be automatically switched from        participating in the games at a first table to participating in        the games at a second table. In some embodiments, the secondary        player is informed of this switch. For example, a message may        pop up on the screen of the secondary player's display. The        message may say, “You are now participating in games at        Blackjack table 6, where player net winnings over the last hour        are the highest of any table.” In some embodiments, the        secondary player may not even be informed of a switch. Rather,        the secondary player may continue to see a reenactment of games        without realizing the games are originating from a different        gaming table. In some embodiments, though a secondary player may        not be told explicitly of a switch (e.g., via a pop-up message),        ways may be available for the secondary player to surmise that a        switch has occurred. For example, a display screen on which the        secondary player is watching a simulated reenactment of a        blackjack game may include a table identifier in the lower right        hand corner. When the secondary player is switched from        participating in the games of a first table to participating in        the games of a second table, the table number in the lower right        hand corner may change.    -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may be asked for an        input in relation to a potential switch. For example, a message        may be displayed for the secondary player indicating that the        secondary player is to be switched from participating in a first        set of games to participating in a second set of games. The        secondary player may be asked whether he would really like to be        switched or whether he would like to remain a participant in the        first set of games. The secondary player may be informed of the        reason for the switch. For example, the secondary player may be        informed that he is being switched because the second set of        games better match his criteria for participating in games than        do the first set of games.    -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may not provide an        indication that he would want to switch from a first set of        games to a second set of games. The secondary player may only        specify criteria for selecting games in which to participate.        The casino server may, in various embodiments, determine at some        point that a second set of games better matches the secondary        player's criteria for participating in games than does the set        of games in which the secondary player is currently        participating. Thus, the casino server may ask the secondary        player whether he would like to switch and participate in the        second set of games. The question may be asked though the        secondary player never before indicated an interest in        switching. The secondary player may then have an opportunity to        accept or not.    -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be rotated from        game to game according to some algorithm. For example, after        every 50 games of a first gaming device in which a secondary        player participates, the secondary player may be automatically        moved to a second gaming device of the same type (e.g.,        featuring the same game). In various embodiments, after a        certain patterns of wins or losses, a secondary player may be        rotated to another gaming device, game table, or primary player.        For example, if a secondary player loses five games in a row        while participating in the games of a first primary player, the        secondary player may be automatically rotated to the games of        another primary player. In some embodiments, a secondary player        may be asked to confirm his approval before being rotated to a        new game.    -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may wish to        participate in a game with a certain characteristic. The        secondary player may wish to participate in a game with a        certain primary player, in a game at a certain gaming table, in        a game at a certain gaming device, in a game with a certain        betting limit, in a game with a certain jackpot, in a game made        by a particular manufacturer, in a game that follows X        consecutive wins, in a game that follows X consecutive losses,        or in a game with any other characteristic. However, a game that        conforms to the desires of the secondary player may not be        immediately available for the secondary player to participate        in. For example, there may be no primary player who is playing a        particular gaming device whose games the secondary player wishes        to participate in. Thus, in various embodiments, a secondary        player may be alerted when a game that meets some criteria        becomes available. The criteria may include criteria that        secondary player has previously used to find a game in which to        participate. For example, if no primary player is currently        playing at a gaming device in whose games the secondary player        wishes to participate, the secondary player may be alerted when        a primary player does sit down at the gaming device.

Patterns Of Betting

In various embodiments, a pattern of betting may be determined for aplayer, such as for a primary player or for a secondary player. Apattern of betting may entail any system of rules, tendencies, criteria,or other factors used by a player in placing a bet or series of bets.

A pattern of betting may describe or encapsulate a first player'stendency to: (a) bet on a particular second player; (b) bet on only thehouse (e.g., in a game of blackjack or roulette); (c) bet on only theplayer position (e.g., in a game where a house plays against theplayer); (d) double a bet after a loss; (e) change a bet size underparticular circumstances; (f) bet only on a particular type of outcome(e.g., bet only on red in roulette; e.g., bet only on the pass line incraps); (g) employ a particular strategy in a game; (h) bet on aparticular type of second player (e.g., a first player's betting patternmay be to always bet on a second player who has won more than $100 inthe last 10 minutes); and/or any other tendency.

A first player's pattern of betting may include the tendency to alwaysbet on another player (e.g., on a primary player) who is the topperforming player in the last hour. A first player's pattern of bettingmay include the tendency to always use optimal strategy in a game ofblackjack. A first player's pattern of betting may include the tendencyto bet on a second player only when the second player plays a particulargame, such as blackjack. A first player's pattern of betting may includethe tendency to bet on a second player only when the second player is ona winning streak.

In various embodiments, a pattern of betting may be exhibited by eithera primary player or by a secondary player. A secondary player mayexhibit a pattern of betting, for example, in the way he chooses primaryplayers on which to bet. The secondary player may tend to choose primaryplayers of a particular age, occupation, or skill level, for example. Asecondary player may tend to bet on a particular primary player (e.g.,Bob Smith), or the secondary player may tend to bet on a primary playerwith a certain game history (e.g., a primary player with the most moneywon in the last hour). A secondary player may tend to bet on any primaryplayer that happens to be seated in a particular spot at a gaming table(e.g., at the spot just to the left of the dealer). Any tendency used bya secondary player to choose primary players on which to bet mayconstitute a pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, any tendency used by a player in choosing whichgames to play or bet on may constitute a pattern of betting. Forexample, a tendency of a player to bet only on blackjack may constitutea pattern of betting. A tendency of a player to bet only on slot machinegames may constitute a pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, a tendency of a player to play games at aparticular time may constitute a pattern of betting. For example, thetendency of the player to always play games between 1:00 pm and 2:00 pmmay constitute a pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, a pattern of betting may constitute analternating or varying pattern. For example, a secondary player may havethe tendency to alternate between betting on the dealer and betting on aprimary player in a game of blackjack.

In various embodiments, a pattern of betting that has been determined ordeduced need not necessarily fit every bet that has been made by aparticular player. For example, out of 1000 bets made by a player, a setof rules made to describe such bets may explain 900 of those bets, butmay fail to explain the remaining 100.

Copying Someone Else's Pattern of Betting

In various embodiments, bets made by a player may be recorded, e.g., bya gaming device or a terminal where such bets are placed. Bets may alsobe recorded by an information capturing device, such as a scanner orcamera.

Bets made by a player may be analyzed for patterns of betting. Thecentral server may, for example, employ statistical algorithms to deducerules or tendencies of the player in placing bets. A betting pattern maytake the form of a set of rules. For example, each rule may specify oneor more conditions and an action to be taken if the conditions are true.For example, a rule may state that if the last game of a first playerwas a win, then the first player should bet twice the amount of hisprevious bet on the next game he will play. As another example, a rulemay state that a first player should place a bet on the player at aparticular blackjack table who has won the most money in the last fivehands (e.g., the first player should bet that such a player will winagain).

Once patterns of betting have been determined, such patterns may be madeavailable for use by other players. Other players may then have theopportunity to follow the same patterns in their own betting practices.For example, a first player may follow the same pattern of betting usedby a second player.

A pattern of betting may be made available in a number of forms. A firstplayer may be able to view a list of rules that would allow the firstplayer to follow the pattern. A first player may be able to view a textdescription of the pattern. A first player may be able to viewsuggestions of what to do in a given situation (e.g., suggestions of howmuch to make or which strategy decision to make), where such suggestionsare made in accordance with a pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, a first player may indicate a desire toautomatically follow a pattern of betting used by a second player. Thus,the first player may authorize a gaming device, the central server, orsome other device to automatically place bets on his behalf, or toautomatically employ a particular game strategy on his behalf, inaccordance with the betting patterns of a second player. The firstplayer may then sit back and watch games unfold without providing anyfurther input.

In various embodiments, a first player may receive information aboutwhat bet he should make or what strategy he should use next if he wishesto follow a pattern of betting of a second player. However, the firstplayer may be given the opportunity to manually confirm or enter (e.g.,via the press of a button) his own bet, so that the first player has theopportunity but not the obligation to follow the betting pattern of thesecond player.

In various embodiments, a first player may copy some aspects of a secondplayer's pattern of betting, but not all aspects. For example, a firstplayer may copy the second player's strategy, but not his pattern ofvarying the bet sizes. As another example, a first player may copy thebetting patterns of a second player, but only when the second player isplaying blackjack. As another example, a first player may copy thebetting patterns of the second player, but only between the hours of2:00 pm and 3:00 pm. As another example, a first player may copy thebetting pattern of a second player, but only when the first player isahead by more than a certain amount of money. As another example, afirst player may copy the betting pattern of a second player, but onlywhen the second player is ahead by more than a certain amount of money.

In various embodiments, a first player may search for a second playerwith certain characteristics. For example, a first player may search fora second player who has won more than any other player playingblackjack. The first player may then choose to copy the betting patternsof the second player. In various embodiments, a first player mayperiodically alter the betting patterns which he follows, depending onsome criteria. For example, the first player may always follow thebetting pattern of the second player who is most ahead at the moment.Thus, as different players win money and become the player with the mostwinnings at a casino, a first player may change the betting pattern hefollows.

In various embodiments, a first player may follow the betting pattern ofa second player so long as that second player is still following thesame betting pattern. If the second player starts using a differentbetting pattern or makes bets that are inconsistent with the firstbetting pattern, then the first player may cease following the bettingpattern of the second player.

In various embodiments, following a betting pattern need not includemaking the exact same bets as another player. Rather, a first player mayemploy the same rules for making bets that a second player uses, but mayemploy those rules on a different game.

Statistics on Patterns of Betting

In various embodiments, a player may wish to employ a pattern ofbetting. The pattern employed may be a pattern that had previously beenused by a second player, or that had previously been used by a number ofother players. The player may wish to know various statistics about thepattern. For example, the player may wish to know how successful thepattern has been or how many other players have used the same pattern inthe past. Knowing statistics about a pattern of betting may allow aplayer to decide whether or not to use the pattern and/or whether or notto choose a first pattern of betting over a second pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, a casino server or other device or entity maytrack the games played, the amounts bet, the strategies used, and anyother information about one or more players. The casino server may usethe collected information to determine betting patterns and to determinestatistics about the betting patterns. The casino may determine how manyplayers are using a particular pattern. The casino may determine howmany players are using a particular pattern over a particular timeinterval (e.g., over a ten-minute period). The casino server may alsodetermine how many players have used a particular pattern at all, e.g.,in the last day. The casino server may determine the percentage of timethat a particular pattern of betting has been used as opposed to otherpatterns of betting. For example, a casino server may determine that 20%of the time when any player engages in play at the casino, the playeremploys a particular pattern of betting.

In various embodiments, a casino may determine statistics or metricsabout the success of a pattern. For example, the casino may determinewhich patterns of betting have resulted in the most money won forplayers, which patterns have resulted in the most won games for players,which patterns have been profitable for the longest amounts of time,and/or any other metrics about a pattern. A casino may determine whichpattern has been successful over the most recent time period, or duringthe current time period. For example, in some embodiments, a casino maydetermine all the patterns of betting that are currently being employedby players across the casino, or by a particular subset of players(e.g., by blackjack players). The casino may then determine whichpattern is or has been the most successful according to some metric.

Upon request of a player, or without any particular request, a casinomay display statistics about different patterns of betting. For example,the casino may periodically rank and re-rank patterns of bettingaccording to which has been the most successful (e.g., which hasgenerated the most winning per player using the pattern) over the mostrecent time period. A player may have the opportunity to view statisticsabout a pattern of betting and to use such statistics, for example, toaid in his decision of whether or not to copy the pattern of bettinghimself.

In various embodiments, a first player may wish to be alerted orinformed about a pattern of betting that is being used by a secondplayer. The second player may be a successful player, for example. Thefirst player may, in particular, wish to be alerted when the secondplayer switches his pattern of betting. For example, the first playermay copy a first pattern of betting from the second player. However, ifthe second player switches to using a second pattern of betting, thenthe first player may decide to stop using the first pattern of betting,and perhaps to switch to the second pattern of betting.

The following are embodiments, not claims:

A. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving an indication of a first plurality of decisions made        by a first player under a first set of circumstances;    -   determining a set of rules that, when followed under the first        set of circumstances, generate the first plurality of decisions;    -   receiving a request from a device of a second player for a        description of the rules; and    -   transmitting the description of the rules to the device of the        second player.

B. The method of embodiment A in which receiving an indication of afirst plurality of decisions made by a first player under a first set ofcircumstances includes receiving an indication of a first plurality ofdecisions made by a first player while playing a particular set ofgames.

C. The method of embodiment A in which transmitting the description ofthe rules includes transmitting computer executable instructions forfollowing the rules. The computer executable instructions may be useableby a gaming device or mobile gaming device for making decisions in agame.

D. The method of embodiment A in which the set of rules includes rulesfor determining a size of a bet.

E. The method of embodiment A in which the set of rules includes rulesfor selecting a card to hold in a game of video poker.

F. The method of embodiment A in which the set of rules includes rulesfor determining whether to hit or stand in a game of blackjack.

G. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving a set of rules that, when followed under a first set        of circumstances, generate a first plurality of decisions        previously made by a first player faced with the first set of        circumstances (e.g., the first plurality of decisions may        include decisions as to the size of a bet and/or decisions as to        a game strategy);    -   receiving a first instruction from a second player to follow the        set of rules automatically;    -   generating a second plurality of decisions in accordance with        the set of rules;    -   receiving a second instruction from the second player to cease        following the set of rules; and    -   receiving from the second player a third instruction detailing a        third decision.

H. The method of embodiment G further including conducting a firstplurality of games. Conducting a game may include, for example,receiving a bet, receiving or generating a random number, determining afirst outcome based on the random number, receiving a game decision,determining a second outcome based on the first outcome and the gamedecision, presenting graphics depicting the first and/or secondoutcomes, presenting audio, determining a payout based on the firstand/or second outcomes, providing the payout, and/or performing anyother functions associated with a game. The game may be conducted, forexample, by a stationary gaming device or by a mobile gaming device.

I. The method of embodiment H in which generating a second plurality ofdecisions includes generating a second plurality of decisions to be madein the first plurality of games.

J. The method of embodiment I further including conducting a second gamethat is not one of the first plurality of games.

K. The method of embodiment J further including applying the thirddecision to the second game.

L. The method of embodiment G in which receiving a first instructionfrom a second player to follow the set of rules automatically includesreceiving a first instruction from a second player to repeatedly conductgames and to use the set of rules for making decisions in the games,until further instructed by the second player.

M. The method of embodiment G in which the third decision does notconform to the set of rules. For example, the rules would not yield thethird decision if the rules were used to make a decision.

N. The method of embodiment G in which generating a second plurality ofdecisions in accordance with the set of rules includes:

-   -   determining a bet size in accordance with the set of rules;    -   determining a first outcome in a game;    -   determining a course of action to take in the game in accordance        with the set of rules; and    -   determining a second outcome in the game based on the first        outcome and based on the course of action.

O. A method comprising:

-   -   determining a first set of rules for making decisions in a game;    -   determining a second set of rules for making decisions in a        game;    -   determining a first performance metric for the first set of        rules at a first time;    -   determining a second performance metric for the second set of        rules at the first time;    -   determining a first ranking of the first set of rules and the        second set of rules based on the first performance metric and        based on the second performance metric;    -   presenting the first ranking;    -   determining a third performance metric for the first set of        rules at a second time;    -   determining a fourth performance metric for the second set of        rules at the second time;    -   determining a second ranking of the first set of rules and the        second set of rules based on the third performance metric and        based on the fourth performance metric, in which the second        ranking is different from the first ranking; and    -   presenting the second ranking.

P. The method of embodiment O in which determining a first set of rulesincludes:

-   -   tracking decisions made in a set of games by a first set of        players; and    -   determining a first set of rules that explain the decisions made        in the set of games.

Q. The method of embodiment O in which determining a first performancemetric includes:

-   -   tracking decisions made in a set of games by a first set of        players;    -   determining a second set of players who have followed the first        set of rules, in which the second set of players is a subset of        the first set of players (e.g., the first set of players may be        filtered down to eliminate players who have not followed the        first set of rules, thus yielding the second set of players);        and    -   determining an amount of money that the second set of players        has won.

R. The method of embodiment O in which presenting the first rankingincludes:

-   -   assigning a first text identifier to the first set of rules        (e.g., the first set of rules may be associated with a name,        such as “The Crazy Money System”);    -   assigning a second text identifier to the second set of rules;        and    -   displaying a list that includes the first text identifier and        the second text identifier, in which the list is ordered based        on the ranking.

S. The method of embodiment O further including:

-   -   receiving from a player instructions to place bets automatically        in accordance with a set of rules that is ranked the highest        among all sets of rules;    -   placing, at the first time, a bet on behalf of the player that        is made in accordance with the first set of rules; and    -   placing, at the second time, a bet on behalf of the player that        is made in accordance with the second set of rules.

T. The method of embodiment O in which determining a first performancemetric includes determining, at a first time, a first performance metricdescribing the performance of the first set of rules with respect togames played in the hour preceding the first time.

The following are embodiments, not claims:

A. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving from a secondary player at least one criterion for        selecting a game;    -   determining at a first point in time a first game that matches        the at least one criterion, the first game to be played by a        first primary player;    -   receiving a first bet from the secondary player;    -   determining a first outcome of the first game;    -   determining a first payout based on the first bet and the first        outcome;    -   adding credits to an account associated with the secondary        player based on the first payout;    -   determining, at a second point in time after the first point in        time, that a second game to be played by the first primary        player does not match the at least one criterion; and    -   transmitting to the secondary player an indication that the        second game does not match the at least one criterion.

B. The method of embodiment A in which the at least one criterion isthat the game is to be played by a primary player who has the highestnet winnings of any primary player over a particular period of time.

C. The method of embodiment A in which the at least one criterion isthat the game is to be played at a gaming table at which the most moneyhas been won of any gaming table over a particular period of time.

D. The method of embodiment A in which the at least one criterion isthat the game is to be played by a primary player who has won the lastfive games that he has played.

E. The method of embodiment A further including:

-   -   receiving from the secondary player a second bet for a third        game played by the first primary player, the third game played        after the first game and before the second game;    -   determining a second outcome of the third game;    -   determining a second payout based on the second bet and the        second outcome; and    -   adding credits to the account associated with the secondary        player based on the second payout.

F. The method of embodiment A further including:

-   -   receiving, after transmitting the indication, instructions from        the secondary player to find another game that matches the at        least one criterion;    -   determining a third game that matches the at least one        criterion;    -   receiving from the secondary player a second bet;    -   determining a second outcome of the third game;    -   determining a second payout based on the second bet and the        second outcome; and    -   adding credits to the account associated with the secondary        player based on the second payout.

G. The method of embodiment F in which the third game is not played bythe first primary player.

H. The method of embodiment A further including:

-   -   determining a third game that matches the at least one        criterion, in which the third game is not played by the first        primary player;    -   receiving from the secondary player a second bet;    -   determining a second outcome of the third game;    -   determining a second payout based on the second bet and the        second outcome; and    -   adding credits to the account associated with the secondary        player based on the second payout.

I. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving from a secondary player at least one criterion for        selecting a game;    -   determining at a first point in time a first game that matches        the at least one criterion, the first game to be played at a        first gaming table;    -   receiving a first bet from the secondary player;    -   determining a first outcome of the first game;    -   determining a first payout based on the first bet and the first        outcome;    -   adding credits to an account associated with the secondary        player based on the first payout;    -   determining, at a second point in time after the first point in        time, that a second game to be played at the first gaming table        does not match the at least one criterion; and    -   transmitting to the secondary player an indication that the        second game does not match the at least one criterion.

J. A method comprising:

-   -   determining at least one criterion for a gaming device;    -   determining at a first point in time a first gaming device that        meets the at least one criterion;    -   determining at a second point in time after the first point in        time a second gaming device that meets the at least one        criterion;    -   determining at a third point in time after the second point in        time a third gaming device that meets the at least one        criterion; and    -   presenting an image which includes visual representations of the        first, second, and third gaming devices, the image further        including a first arrow pointing from the first gaming device to        the second gaming device and a second arrow pointing from the        second gaming device to the third gaming device.

K. The method of embodiment J in which the at least one criterion can bemet by only a single gaming device at any one time.

L. The method of claim embodiment J further including receiving anindication of at least one of: (a) an outcome generated at the firstgaming device; (b) an outcome generated at the second gaming device; (c)an outcome generated at the third gaming device; (d) a payout made atthe first gaming device; (e) a payout made at the second gaming device;and (f) a payout made at the third gaming device.

M. The method of embodiment J in which determining at least onecriterion for a gaming device includes determining that a gaming devicemust have made the highest payout of any gaming device in a casino inthe last hour.

N. The method of embodiment J in which determining at least onecriterion for a gaming device includes determining that a gaming devicemust have had the longest streak of consecutive outcomes that werewinning for a player of any gaming device in a casino in the last hour.

O. The method of embodiment J in which presenting an image includespresenting a visual representation of a casino floor, the imageincluding visual representations of the first, second, and third gamingdevices, the image further including a first arrow pointing from thefirst gaming device to the second gaming device and a second arrowpointing from the second gaming device to the third gaming device.

P. The method of embodiment J further including generating, based on thefirst, second and third gaming devices, a prediction of a fourth gamingdevice that will meet the at least one criterion, in which an indicationof the fourth gaming device is included in the image.

Q. The method of embodiment J further including generating, based on thelocations of the first, second and third gaming devices, a prediction ofa location of a fourth gaming device that will meet the at least onecriterion, in which an indication of the fourth gaming device isincluded in the image.

Automatic Play of Games

In various embodiments, a gaming device may initiate and/or conduct aseries of games for a player in an automatic fashion. During the seriesof games, no player input may be required. Prior to the series of games,the player may describe rules or parameters according to which the gameswill be played. The player may thereby configure the gaming device touse these rules or parameters. The parameters may include: (a) thenumber of games to be played; (b) the time to play each game; (c) thetime to play the whole series of games; (d) the amount to wager on eachgame; (e) the strategy to be used in each game; (f) a criterion orcriteria for when to stop playing automatically; (g) a criterion orcriteria for when to seek player input; (h) the type or types of gamesto be played; (i) the gaming device or devices to be used for conductingthe game (e.g., for generating game outcomes); (j) the manner in whichoutcomes will be communicated to the player (e.g., the outcomes may bedisplayed; e.g., the outcomes may be printed on a paper for the player);or any other parameters.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to use aparticular strategy for a particular period of time. The particularstrategy may be an optimal strategy. In various embodiments, a strategymay be optimal in the sense that it maximizes a player's expectedwinnings for a game once the game has been started. The particularstrategy may be a strategy which allows for the highest possible payout.For example, in a game of video poker, one strategy may be to alwayspursue the royal flush. In various embodiments, a player may configure agaming device to play optimal strategy for the next ten minutes. Invarious embodiments, a player may configure a gaming device to playblackjack using basic strategy for the next 20 minutes.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured with afrequency of play. For example, the gaming device may be configured toplay 10 games per minute. A gaming device may similarly be configured tohave a particular period of time between games. For example, a gamingdevice may be configured to initiate each new game ten seconds after thelast game was initiated. A gaming device may be configured to play agame of a certain length. For example, a slot machine may be configuredso that the reels take 10 seconds before they stop spinning.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to play forsome length of time. For example, the gaming device may be configured toconduct games for the next 45 minutes. In various embodiments, a gamingdevice may be configured to play games until some amount of money is wonor lost. For example, a gaming device may start with a player bankrollof $50. The gaming device may be configured to keep playing until eitherthe bankroll reaches $75 (and thereby $25 has been won) or until thebankroll reaches $25 (and thereby $25 has been lost). In variousembodiments, the gaming device may cease playing even though an amountwon or lost (or a bankroll) has not reached an exact threshold. Forexample, having started at $50, a bankroll may reach $25.50 at adollar-denomination machine. The machine may stop playing because onefurther bet would risk leaving the bankroll at $24.50, which is belowthe lower limit for which the gaming device has been configured.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to playoptimal strategy for some percentage of the games played. For example, agaming device may be configured to play optimal strategy in 80% of gamesplayed. Thus, for example, the gaming device may randomly determine, foreach game, whether it will use optimal strategy. If random determinationmay be made such that there is an 80% likelihood that optimal strategywill be used (e.g., there is a biased drawing made to determine whetheroptimal strategy will be used. In various embodiments, a gaming devicemay be configured to play optimal strategy for some percent of the time.For example, for the first 60% of a period of time during which a gamingdevice is playing automatically, optimal strategy may be used. For theremaining 40% of the time, some non-optimal strategy may be used. Invarious embodiments, using a strategy that is not optimal does notnecessarily mean that a gaming device won't make the same decision thatwould have been made had it been using optimal strategy. In variousembodiments, two different strategies may sometimes yield the samedecision. For example, a strategy to maximize expected winnings maysometimes yield the same decision as a strategy to always shoot for thehighest possible payout.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may be configured to pursue afirst strategy (e.g., optimal strategy) for some percentage of time orfor some percentage of games played. During the times or the games whenoptimal strategy is not used, some other strategy may be used. The otherstrategy may be a strategy which attempts to obtain the largest possiblepayout, whether or not obtaining such a payout is a remote possibility.The other strategy may be a strategy which always seeks to obtain apayout above a certain level. For example, one strategy in video pokermay be to maximize the chances of receive a flush or better.

In various embodiments, a gaming device is configured to play a sequenceof games automatically. Playing games automatically may include makingstrategy decisions. However, in various embodiments, a gaming device mayhalt the automatic play of a game and wait to receive a player input tothe game. The player may then provide an input. The input may indicate astrategy to pursue in a game. For example, the input may indicate whichcards to hold in a game of video poker, or whether to hit or stand inblackjack. A gaming device may halt automatic play to allow for playerinput for various reasons. A gaming device may halt automatic play if:(a) two possible decisions are equally valid according to some strategy(e.g., if two possible decisions both lead to the same expected winningsfor the player); (b) a possible payout for a game is larger than apredetermined threshold (e.g., if a possible payout for a game is morethan 500 times the amount wagered); (c) a large payout has more than apredetermined probability of occurring (e.g., if a royal flush has morethan a 1% chance of occurring); (d) a winning payout is certain to occur(e.g., if a player has received three cards of the same rank in thefirst five cards dealt in a game of video poker, the player may beallowed to complete the game manually to experience the pleasure ofwinning); (e) if the gaming device has been configured to stop for anyparticular outcome or intermediate outcome (e.g., if the gaming devicehas been configured to stop automatic play when there are two aces dealtto a player in a game of blackjack then the gaming device may actuallystop automatic play when two aces are dealt to a player in a game ofblackjack); or any other circumstances or criteria dictate that thegaming device should halt automatic play. In various embodiments,automatic play may stop so that a gaming device may accept a playerdecision. However, automatic play may resume once a player has made hisdecision, in various embodiments. In various embodiments, afterautomatic play has stopped, a player must explicitly indicate that hewishes for automatic play to resume. For example, the player may press abutton that says “resume automatic play”. Other wise the player maycontinue to initiate games and make decisions manually.

In various embodiments, automatic play may be halted upon any event orsequence of events. A sequence of events may include a sequence ofoutcomes. Automatic play may be halted if, for example, the player winson five games in a row, the player loses on five games in a row, theplayer wins more than a predetermined amount of money in a some numberof games (e.g., if the player wins more than $50 in ten hands), aparticular card occurs in a predetermined number of games in a row, aparticular outcome occurs in a predetermined number of games in a row,or upon any other sequence events or pattern of events. Further patternsare described herein, and various embodiments contemplate that automaticplay may be halted upon the occurrence of any particular or designatedpattern or sequence of events.

In various embodiments, automatic play may be paused for some period oftime to allow for player input. However, if the player has not providedinput after some period of time, the gaming device may automaticallydetermine an input. For example, the gaming device may determine aninput according to optimal strategy. In various embodiments, a halt or apause in automatic play may be emphasized with a beep, vibration, orother alert. For example, a beep may signify to the player that he mustmake some decision in a game and that he can not sit back and watchgames proceed automatically. Similarly, a vibration on a mobile gamingdevice may alert a player to take the mobile gaming device out of hispocket because his input is required. In various embodiments, a playermay set the preference as to the type of alert that will be provided tohim. In various embodiments, when automatic play stops, the gamingdevice may display or otherwise communicate a message to the player. Themessage may say that input is requested from the player. The message mayfurther indicate the amount of time that the player has to provide aninput (e.g., before automatic play is resumed). In various embodiments,when a player is asked for a manual input, the player may have an optionto tell the gaming device to make its own decision. For example, abutton may read “Keep playing”. Pressing such a button may cause thegaming device to determine a decision. The decision may be madeaccording to any particular strategy, such as according to optimalstrategy.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may halt automatic play. Howeverthe gaming device may halt automatic play only to allow a player to viewthe state of the current game. The gaming device may, after some periodof time, resume automatic play. In various embodiments, upon a haltingor pausing of automatic play, a player may have the opportunity tointerject and make his own decision. For example, a player may pressbuttons which are ordinarily indicative of a player strategy. Forexample, a player may press buttons underneath cards dealt in a game ofvideo poker, indicating the player's desire to hold the cards. Bypressing such buttons, the player may override the decision process ofthe gaming device and cause his own decisions to be registered in thegame. In various embodiments, a player may override the decisions of thegaming device at any point, not just when the gaming device has paused.For example, the player may at any point during automatic play press abutton which says “stop”. The player may then have the opportunity toinput his own decisions. The player may later press a button labeled“resume” or the like. Automatic play may thereupon resume.

In various embodiments, a gaming device may make decisionsautomatically. However, the gaming device may seek confirmation from theplayer. Upon learning of a decision (e.g., because an indication of thedecision is displayed on the screen of the gaming device), a player mayhave the opportunity to press a button (or provide some other input) tostop the gaming device and instead to cause the gaming device to make adifferent decision. In various embodiments, a gaming device may makeautomatic decisions. The gaming device may allow some period of time(e.g., 3 seconds) for the player to override a decision. However, ifthere is no input from the player, the gaming device may proceed togenerate the remaining part of the game stemming from the decision.

In various embodiments, when automatic play has been halted or paused,the player may have the opportunity to specify a new strategy to beused. When automatic play is subsequently resumed, the new strategy maybe employed.

In various embodiments, when a player elects to bet on some number ofgames, such games may be generated and conducted for the first time forthe player. In various embodiments, when a player elects to bet on somenumber of games, such games may include games that have already beenplayed by other players (e.g., by primary players). Thus, for example, aplayer may elect to bet on 100 games. A casino server may then select100 games that have been previously played. The selection may be random.If such games were winning for the player who originally played them,the current player may win as well. If such games were losing for theplayer who originally played them, the current player may lose as well.In various embodiments, a player may elect to play some number of games.A casino server may then use games that are currently being played orabout to be played. For example, the casino may use games that areplayed at video poker machines around the casino. The player mayparticipate in such games and may win if those games result in a win forthe player side, and may lose if those games result in a loss for theplayer side. In various embodiments, a player may bet against a primaryplayer, and may e.g., win when the primary player loses and lose whenthe primary player wins. Thus, it will be appreciated that when a playerselects some number of games in which to participate, the games may begenerated for the first time for that player, or the games may be gamesthat have been or will be played by others.

In various embodiments, two or more players may wish to engage inautomatic play. For example, both players may wish to have 50 gamesplayed automatically by the players' respective gaming devices. Theplayers may, in various embodiments, participate in the same games. Thecommon games played may, for example, come from other players around thecasino. In various embodiments, the casino may have a data feed of gameresults from around the casino. The data feed may go to the gamingdevices of players who wish to play automatically, and may thereby allowsuch players to participate in games from around the casino. In variousembodiments, when players participate in a common set of games, theplayers may participate in such games out of order. For example, playerA may participate first in game X and then in game Y. Player B mayparticipate first in game Y and then in game X.

In various embodiments, a number of interfaces may be associated withautomatic play. Input buttons may allow a player to override a strategy,to tell a gaming device to halt automatic play, to tell a gaming deviceto resume automatic play, to indicate a particular strategy to be used,to indicate the parameters using which a gaming device should initiate asession of automatic play, and to perform any other function. In variousembodiments, a player may be required to make two button presses tooverride a strategy suggested by the gaming device. The two buttonpresses may include pressing each of two different buttons, or mayinclude pressing the same button twice (e.g., double clicking). In thisfashion, there may be a reduced chance that a player automaticallyoverrides a good decision of the gaming device. In various embodiments,a wheel, such as a thumb wheel, may allow a player to vary the speed ofautomatic play. For example, the player may move the wheel one way toincrease the speed of play, and may move the wheel the other way todecrease the speed of play. In various embodiments, a button may be usedto indicate that a gaming device should proceed with automatic play,such as after the gaming device has paused.

In various embodiments, when automatic play has been paused to await theplayer's input, or for any other reason, the player may cause automaticplay to resume in various ways. The player may double click on a buttonto cause automatic play to proceed. In some embodiments, the player maypress any button to cause automatic play to proceed. In someembodiments, the player may touch any area of a touch screen to causeautomatic play to proceed. In some embodiments, the player may make anoise or vocalization. For example, the player may clap twice in orderto cause automatic play to proceed. In various embodiments, a player mayscroll a thumb wheel to cause automatic play to proceed.

In various embodiments, when automatic play has been paused to await theplayer's input, the player may provide an input in various ways. Certainways may be available for the player to quickly and/or convenientlyprovide a desired input with minimal effort. In a game of video poker, alist of strategies may be provided for a player. The list of strategiesmay include corresponding expected winnings for each strategy, and/ormay include one or more other statistics for each strategy. Thestrategies may be sorted by expected value or by some other metric. Theplayer may then select a strategy with one input based on his desiredmetric. For example, to execute the strategy with the highest expectedwinnings, the player may simply click on the strategy from the list.This may save the player the trouble of executing the strategy himselfby, for example, selecting all cards to hold in order to follow thestrategy. In some embodiments, a player may indicate that a randomstrategy should be followed. For example, in bonus round, a player mayhave the option of opening one of three envelopes. The player may pressa button, touch an area of the screen, or otherwise provide anindication that a random strategy should be chosen on the player'sbehalf and carried out (e.g., that a random envelope should be chosen).

In various embodiments, every game played could be an entry into adrawing. The faster games are played (e.g., in an automatic play mode),the more entries a player may receive. Drawings may be done at certaintimes, e.g., at 4:00 every day or at random times. Thus, players may beencouraged to play games at a more rapid pace (e.g., to have gamesplayed automatically at a more rapid pace) so as to accumulate plenty ofentries by the time any random drawing occurs. In various embodiments,cards received in games may constitute entries into a drawing. A playermay win if the cards he has received in a game match the cards drawn ina drawing. As will be appreciated, other game indicia may serve asentries into a drawing, where indicia drawn may be compared to indiciareceived from players entering the drawing. In various embodiments,games played, cards received, or other indicia received may serve asentries into a drawing. In various embodiments, a meter may indicate toa player how many hands he has played, how many cards he has received,and/or how many other types of indicia he has received. The meter maythereby indicate to the player how many entries he has in an upcomingdrawing. The player may be encouraged to play more rapidly so as towatch the meter go higher.

In various embodiments, a jackpot, such as a progressive jackpot, mayreceive as contributions portions of bets made from automatic play.Thus, automatic play may cause a jackpot to grow in size. Players whoparticipate in automatic play may also have the opportunity to win thejackpot, such as the progressive jackpot. Thus, players may haveadditional incentive to engage in automatic play.

In various embodiments, a particular area of a casino includesfacilities to allow secondary players to monitor primary players at oneor more games throughout the casino, or at one or more games beyond thecasino. The area of the casino may include one or more monitors. Suchmonitors may be small or large. Large monitors, for example, may bevisible to multiple secondary players. Small monitors may be visible toindividual secondary players. Further, the individual players maycustomize the small monitors so as to view the primary player ofinterest, a statistic of interest, a game of interest, or anything elseof interest. The monitors may display various information. Monitors maydisplay video feeds from games. For example, a monitor may show a videofeed of a blackjack game which is in progress. Monitors may recreategame outcomes. For example, a monitor may show a rendition of a slotmachine game that has been or is being played by a primary player.Monitors may also show statistics. For example, a monitor may show thetotal amount of money won by a primary player in the last hour, thenumber of times a particular dealer has busted in the past half hour,the number of consecutive times red has come up at the roulette wheel,and so on. In various embodiments, a monitor may show betting rules,odds, payout ratios, and other information which may apply to bets madeby the secondary player. For example, a monitor may indicate that asecondary player can win a payout at odds of 1:1 by for betting that aprimary player will get red in roulette, and that the secondary playercan win a payout at odds of 16:1 for betting that a primary player willget red four times in a row at roulette.

In various embodiments, an area of the casino may include facilities forbetting on one or more games being monitored. For example, terminals mayallow secondary players to place bets on a game, e.g., on a game whichis being monitored. The terminal may include keys, acceptors for chargecards (e.g., for credit cards or debit cards), acceptors for currency orgaming chips, acceptors for cashless gaming tickets, keys or buttons forentering betting information (e.g., for entering an amount to bet; e.g.,for choosing a game on which to bet), and any other facilities orinterfaces for allowing bets. A terminal may include a monitor. Themonitor may be used to display betting information to a secondaryplayer, to show the secondary player the game on which he is betting, toshow the secondary player how much money he has won, and to show thesecondary player any other information related to his bet or otherwiserelevant to the player.

In various embodiments a betting area for secondary players to bet onand monitor the games of primary players may have the appearance of asports book.

The following sections I-X provide a guide to interpreting the presentapplication.

I. Terms

The term “product” means any machine, manufacture and/or composition ofmatter, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “process” means any process, algorithm, method or the like,unless expressly specified otherwise.

Each process (whether called a method, algorithm or otherwise)inherently includes one or more steps, and therefore all references to a“step” or “steps” of a process have an inherent antecedent basis in themere recitation of the term ‘process’ or a like term. Accordingly, anyreference in a claim to a ‘step’ or ‘steps’ of a process has sufficientantecedent basis.

The term “invention” and the like mean “the one or more inventionsdisclosed in this application”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “an embodiment”, “embodiment”, “embodiments”, “theembodiment”, “the embodiments”, “one or more embodiments”, “someembodiments”, “certain embodiments”, “one embodiment”, “anotherembodiment” and the like mean “one or more (but not all) embodiments ofthe disclosed invention(s)”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The term “variation” of an invention means an embodiment of theinvention, unless expressly specified otherwise.

A reference to “another embodiment” in describing an embodiment does notimply that the referenced embodiment is mutually exclusive with anotherembodiment (e.g., an embodiment described before the referencedembodiment), unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “including”, “comprising” and variations thereof mean“including but not limited to”, unless expressly specified otherwise.

The terms “a”, “an” and “the” mean “one or more”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise.

The term “plurality” means “two or more”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The term “herein” means “in the present application, including anythingwhich may be incorporated by reference”, unless expressly specifiedotherwise.

The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifies a plurality ofthings (such as an enumerated list of things) means any combination ofone or more of those things, unless expressly specified otherwise. Forexample, the phrase “at least one of a widget, a car and a wheel” meanseither (i) a widget, (ii) a car, (iii) a wheel, (iv) a widget and a car,(v) a widget and a wheel, (vi) a car and a wheel, or (vii) a widget, acar and a wheel. The phrase “at least one of”, when such phrase modifiesa plurality of things does not mean “one of each of” the plurality ofthings.

Numerical terms such as “one”, “two”, etc. when used as cardinal numbersto indicate quantity of something (e.g., one widget, two widgets), meanthe quantity indicated by that numerical term, but do not mean at leastthe quantity indicated by that numerical term. For example, the phrase“one widget” does not mean “at least one widget”, and therefore thephrase “one widget” does not cover, e.g., two widgets.

The phrase “based on” does not mean “based only on”, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. In other words, the phrase “based on” describesboth “based only on” and “based at least on”. The phrase “based at leaston” is equivalent to the phrase “based at least in part on”.

The term “represent” and like terms are not exclusive, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. For example, the term “represents” do not mean“represents only”, unless expressly specified otherwise. In other words,the phrase “the data represents a credit card number” describes both“the data represents only a credit card number” and “the data representsa credit card number and the data also represents something else”.

The term “whereby” is used herein only to precede a clause or other setof words that express only the intended result, objective or consequenceof something that is previously and explicitly recited. Thus, when theterm “whereby” is used in a claim, the clause or other words that theterm “whereby” modifies do not establish specific further limitations ofthe claim or otherwise restricts the meaning or scope of the claim.

The term “e.g.” and like terms mean “for example”, and thus does notlimit the term or phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “thecomputer sends data (e.g., instructions, a data structure) over theInternet”, the term “e.g.” explains that “instructions” are an exampleof “data” that the computer may send over the Internet, and alsoexplains that “a data structure” is an example of “data” that thecomputer may send over the Internet. However, both “instructions” and “adata structure” are merely examples of “data”, and other things besides“instructions” and “a data structure” can be “data”.

The term “respective” and like terms mean “taken individually”. Thus iftwo or more things have “respective” characteristics, then each suchthing has its own characteristic, and these characteristics can bedifferent from each other but need not be. For example, the phrase “eachof two machines has a respective function” means that the first suchmachine has a function and the second such machine has a function aswell. The function of the first machine may or may not be the same asthe function of the second machine.

The term “i.e.” and like terms mean “that is”, and thus limits the termor phrase it explains. For example, in the sentence “the computer sendsdata (i.e., instructions) over the Internet”, the term “i.e.” explainsthat “instructions” are the “data” that the computer sends over theInternet.

Any given numerical range shall include whole and fractions of numberswithin the range. For example, the range “1 to 10” shall be interpretedto specifically include whole numbers between 1 and 10 (e.g., 1, 2, 3,4, . . . 9) and non-whole numbers (e.g., 1.1, 1.2, . . . 1.9).

Where two or more terms or phrases are synonymous (e.g., because of anexplicit statement that the terms or phrases are synonymous), instancesof one such term/phrase does not mean instances of another suchterm/phrase must have a different meaning. For example, where astatement renders the meaning of “including” to be synonymous with“including but not limited to”, the mere usage of the phrase “includingbut not limited to” does not mean that the term “including” meanssomething other than “including but not limited to”.

II. Determining

The term “determining” and grammatical variants thereof (e.g., todetermine a price, determining a value, determine an object which meetsa certain criterion) is used in an extremely broad sense. The term“determining” encompasses a wide variety of actions and therefore“determining” can include calculating, computing, processing, deriving,investigating, looking up (e.g., looking up in a table, a database oranother data structure), ascertaining and the like. Also, “determining”can include receiving (e.g., receiving information), accessing (e.g.,accessing data in a memory) and the like. Also, “determining” caninclude resolving, selecting, choosing, establishing, and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply certainty or absolute precision,and therefore “determining” can include estimating, extrapolating,predicting, guessing and the like.

The term “determining” does not imply that mathematical processing mustbe performed, and does not imply that numerical methods must be used,and does not imply that an algorithm or process is used.

The term “determining” does not imply that any particular device must beused. For example, a computer need not necessarily perform thedetermining.

III. Forms of Sentences

Where a limitation of a first claim would cover one of a feature as wellas more than one of a feature (e.g., a limitation such as “at least onewidget” covers one widget as well as more than one widget), and where ina second claim that depends on the first claim, the second claim uses adefinite article “the” to refer to the limitation (e.g., “the widget”),this does not imply that the first claim covers only one of the feature,and this does not imply that the second claim covers only one of thefeature (e.g., “the widget” can cover both one widget and more than onewidget).

When an ordinal number (such as “first”, “second”, “third” and so on) isused as an adjective before a term, that ordinal number is used (unlessexpressly specified otherwise) merely to indicate a particular feature,such as to distinguish that particular feature from another feature thatis described by the same term or by a similar term. For example, a“first widget” may be so named merely to distinguish it from, e.g., a“second widget”. Thus, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers “first” and“second” before the term “widget” does not indicate any otherrelationship between the two widgets, and likewise does not indicate anyother characteristics of either or both widgets. For example, the mereusage of the ordinal numbers “first” and “second” before the term“widget” (1) does not indicate that either widget comes before or afterany other in order or location; (2) does not indicate that either widgetoccurs or acts before or after any other in time; and (3) does notindicate that either widget ranks above or below any other, as inimportance or quality. In addition, the mere usage of ordinal numbersdoes not define a numerical limit to the features identified with theordinal numbers. For example, the mere usage of the ordinal numbers“first” and “second” before the term “widget” does not indicate thatthere must be no more than two widgets.

When a single device, article or other product is described herein, morethan one device/article (whether or not they cooperate) mayalternatively be used in place of the single device/article that isdescribed. Accordingly, the functionality that is described as beingpossessed by a device may alternatively be possessed by more than onedevice/article (whether or not they cooperate).

Similarly, where more than one device, article or other product isdescribed herein (whether or not they cooperate), a singledevice/article may alternatively be used in place of the more than onedevice or article that is described. For example, a plurality ofcomputer-based devices may be substituted with a single computer-baseddevice. Accordingly, the various functionality that is described asbeing possessed by more than one device or article may alternatively bepossessed by a single device/article.

The functionality and/or the features of a single device that isdescribed may be alternatively embodied by one or more other deviceswhich are described but are not explicitly described as having suchfunctionality/features. Thus, other embodiments need not include thedescribed device itself, but rather can include the one or more otherdevices which would, in those other embodiments, have suchfunctionality/features.

IV. Disclosed Examples and Terminology Are Not Limiting

Neither the Title (set forth at the beginning of the first page of thepresent application) nor the Abstract (set forth at the end of thepresent application) is to be taken as limiting in any way as the scopeof the disclosed invention(s). An Abstract has been included in thisapplication merely because an Abstract of not more than 150 words isrequired under 37 C.F.R. §1.72(b).

The title of the present application and headings of sections providedin the present application are for convenience only, and are not to betaken as limiting the disclosure in any way.

Numerous embodiments are described in the present application, and arepresented for illustrative purposes only. The described embodiments arenot, and are not intended to be, limiting in any sense. The presentlydisclosed invention(s) are widely applicable to numerous embodiments, asis readily apparent from the disclosure. One of ordinary skill in theart will recognize that the disclosed invention(s) may be practiced withvarious modifications and alterations, such as structural, logical,software, and electrical modifications. Although particular features ofthe disclosed invention(s) may be described with reference to one ormore particular embodiments and/or drawings, it should be understoodthat such features are not limited to usage in the one or moreparticular embodiments or drawings with reference to which they aredescribed, unless expressly specified otherwise.

No embodiment of method steps or product elements described in thepresent application constitutes the invention claimed herein, or isessential to the invention claimed herein, or is coextensive with theinvention claimed herein, except where it is either expressly stated tobe so in this specification or expressly recited in a claim.

The preambles of the claims that follow recite purposes, benefits andpossible uses of the claimed invention only and do not limit the claimedinvention.

The present disclosure is not a literal description of all embodimentsof the invention(s). Also, the present disclosure is not a listing offeatures of the invention(s) which must be present in all embodiments.

Devices that are described as in communication with each other need notbe in continuous communication with each other, unless expresslyspecified otherwise. On the contrary, such devices need only transmit toeach other as necessary or desirable, and may actually refrain fromexchanging data most of the time. For example, a machine incommunication with another machine via the Internet may not transmitdata to the other machine for long period of time (e.g. weeks at atime). In addition, devices that are in communication with each othermay communicate directly or indirectly through one or moreintermediaries.

A description of an embodiment with several components or features doesnot imply that all or even any of such components/features are required.On the contrary, a variety of optional components are described toillustrate the wide variety of possible embodiments of the presentinvention(s). Unless otherwise specified explicitly, nocomponent/feature is essential or required.

Although process steps, algorithms or the like may be described orclaimed in a particular sequential order, such processes may beconfigured to work in different orders. In other words, any sequence ororder of steps that may be explicitly described or claimed does notnecessarily indicate a requirement that the steps be performed in thatorder. The steps of processes described herein may be performed in anyorder possible. Further, some steps may be performed simultaneouslydespite being described or implied as occurring non-simultaneously(e.g., because one step is described after the other step). Moreover,the illustration of a process by its depiction in a drawing does notimply that the illustrated process is exclusive of other variations andmodifications thereto, does not imply that the illustrated process orany of its steps are necessary to the invention(s), and does not implythat the illustrated process is preferred.

Although a process may be described as including a plurality of steps,that does not imply that all or any of the steps are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other processes that omit some or all ofthe described steps. Unless otherwise specified explicitly, no step isessential or required.

Although a process may be described singly or without reference to otherproducts or methods, in an embodiment the process may interact withother products or methods. For example, such interaction may includelinking one business model to another business model. Such interactionmay be provided to enhance the flexibility or desirability of theprocess.

Although a product may be described as including a plurality ofcomponents, aspects, qualities, characteristics and/or features, thatdoes not indicate that any or all of the plurality are preferred,essential or required. Various other embodiments within the scope of thedescribed invention(s) include other products that omit some or all ofthe described plurality.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are mutually exclusive, unlessexpressly specified otherwise. Likewise, an enumerated list of items(which may or may not be numbered) does not imply that any or all of theitems are comprehensive of any category, unless expressly specifiedotherwise. For example, the enumerated list “a computer, a laptop, aPDA” does not imply that any or all of the three items of that list aremutually exclusive and does not imply that any or all of the three itemsof that list are comprehensive of any category.

An enumerated list of items (which may or may not be numbered) does notimply that any or all of the items are equivalent to each other orreadily substituted for each other.

All embodiments are illustrative, and do not imply that the invention orany embodiments were made or performed, as the case may be.

V. Computing

It will be readily apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art that thevarious processes described herein may be implemented by, e.g.,appropriately programmed general purpose computers, special purposecomputers and computing devices. Typically a processor (e.g., one ormore microprocessors, one or more microcontrollers, one or more digitalsignal processors) will receive instructions (e.g., from a memory orlike device), and execute those instructions, thereby performing one ormore processes defined by those instructions. Instructions may beembodied in, e.g., one or more computer programs, one or more scripts.

A “processor” means one or more microprocessors, central processingunits (CPUs), computing devices, microcontrollers, digital signalprocessors, or like devices or any combination thereof, regardless ofthe architecture (e.g., chip-level multiprocessing/multi-core, RISC,CISC, Microprocessor without Interlocked Pipeline Stages, pipeliningconfiguration, simultaneous multithreading).

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of anapparatus for performing the process. The apparatus that performs theprocess can include, e.g., a processor and those input devices andoutput devices that are appropriate to perform the process.

Further, programs that implement such methods (as well as other types ofdata) may be stored and transmitted using a variety of media (e.g.,computer readable media) in a number of manners. In some embodiments,hard-wired circuitry or custom hardware may be used in place of, or incombination with, some or all of the software instructions that canimplement the processes of various embodiments. Thus, variouscombinations of hardware and software may be used instead of softwareonly.

The term “computer-readable medium” refers to any medium, a plurality ofthe same, or a combination of different media, that participate inproviding data (e.g., instructions, data structures) which may be readby a computer, a processor or a like device. Such a medium may take manyforms, including but not limited to, non-volatile media, volatile media,and transmission media. Non-volatile media include, for example, opticalor magnetic disks and other persistent memory. Volatile media includedynamic random access memory (DRAM), which typically constitutes themain memory. Transmission media include coaxial cables, copper wire andfiber optics, including the wires that comprise a system bus coupled tothe processor. Transmission media may include or convey acoustic waves,light waves and electromagnetic emissions, such as those generatedduring radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR) data communications.Common forms of computer-readable media include, for example, a floppydisk, a flexible disk, hard disk, magnetic tape, any other magneticmedium, a CD-ROM, DVD, any other optical medium, punch cards, papertape, any other physical medium with patterns of holes, a RAM, a PROM,an EPROM, a FLASH-EEPROM, any other memory chip or cartridge, a carrierwave as described hereinafter, or any other medium from which a computercan read.

Various forms of computer readable media may be involved in carryingdata (e.g. sequences of instructions) to a processor. For example, datamay be (i) delivered from RAM to a processor; (ii) carried over awireless transmission medium; (iii) formatted and/or transmittedaccording to numerous formats, standards or protocols, such as Ethernet(or IEEE 802.3), SAP, ATP, Bluetooth□, and TCP/IP, TDMA, CDMA, and 3G;and/or (iv) encrypted to ensure privacy or prevent fraud in any of avariety of ways well known in the art.

Thus a description of a process is likewise a description of acomputer-readable medium storing a program for performing the process.The computer-readable medium can store (in any appropriate format) thoseprogram elements which are appropriate to perform the method.

Just as the description of various steps in a process does not indicatethat all the described steps are required, embodiments of an apparatusinclude a computer/computing device operable to perform some (but notnecessarily all) of the described process.

Likewise, just as the description of various steps in a process does notindicate that all the described steps are required, embodiments of acomputer-readable medium storing a program or data structure include acomputer-readable medium storing a program that, when executed, cancause a processor to perform some (but not necessarily all) of thedescribed process.

Where databases are described, it will be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art that (i) alternative database structures to thosedescribed may be readily employed, and (ii) other memory structuresbesides databases may be readily employed. Any illustrations ordescriptions of any sample databases presented herein are illustrativearrangements for stored representations of information. Any number ofother arrangements may be employed besides those suggested by, e.g.,tables illustrated in drawings or elsewhere. Similarly, any illustratedentries of the databases represent exemplary information only; one ofordinary skill in the art will understand that the number and content ofthe entries can be different from those described herein. Further,despite any depiction of the databases as tables, other formats(including relational databases, object-based models and/or distributeddatabases) could be used to store and manipulate the data typesdescribed herein. Likewise, object methods or behaviors of a databasecan be used to implement various processes, such as the describedherein. In addition, the databases may, in a known manner, be storedlocally or remotely from a device which accesses data in such adatabase.

Various embodiments can be configured to work in a network environmentincluding a computer that is in communication (e.g., via acommunications network) with one or more devices. The computer maycommunicate with the devices directly or indirectly, via any wired orwireless medium (e.g. the Internet, LAN, WAN or Ethernet, Token Ring, atelephone line, a cable line, a radio channel, an optical communicationsline, commercial on-line service providers, bulletin board systems, asatellite communications link, a combination of any of the above). Eachof the devices may themselves comprise computers or other computingdevices, such as those based on the Intel® Pentium® or Centrino™processor, that are adapted to communicate with the computer. Any numberand type of devices may be in communication with the computer.

In an embodiment, a server computer or centralized authority may not benecessary or desirable. For example, the present invention may, in anembodiment, be practiced on one or more devices without a centralauthority. In such an embodiment, any functions described herein asperformed by the server computer or data described as stored on theserver computer may instead be performed by or stored on one or moresuch devices.

Where a process is described, in an embodiment the process may operatewithout any user intervention. In another embodiment, the processincludes some human intervention (e.g., a step is performed by or withthe assistance of a human).

VI. Continuing Applications

The present disclosure provides, to one of ordinary skill in the art, anenabling description of several embodiments and/or inventions. Some ofthese embodiments and/or inventions may not be claimed in the presentapplication, but may nevertheless be claimed in one or more continuingapplications that claim the benefit of priority of the presentapplication.

Applicants intend to file additional applications to pursue patents forsubject matter that has been disclosed and enabled but not claimed inthe present application.

VII. 35 U.S.C. §112, Paragraph 6

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which includes the phrase “meansfor” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6,applies to that limitation.

In a claim, a limitation of the claim which does not include the phrase“means for” or the phrase “step for” means that 35 U.S.C. §112,paragraph 6 does not apply to that limitation, regardless of whetherthat limitation recites a function without recitation of structure,material or acts for performing that function. For example, in a claim,the mere use of the phrase “step of” or the phrase “steps of” inreferring to one or more steps of the claim or of another claim does notmean that 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, applies to that step(s).

With respect to a means or a step for performing a specified function inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, the correspondingstructure, material or acts described in the specification, andequivalents thereof, may perform additional functions as well as thespecified function.

Computers, processors, computing devices and like products arestructures that can perform a wide variety of functions. Such productscan be operable to perform a specified function by executing one or moreprograms, such as a program stored in a memory device of that product orin a memory device which that product accesses. Unless expresslyspecified otherwise, such a program need not be based on any particularalgorithm, such as any particular algorithm that might be disclosed inthe present application. It is well known to one of ordinary skill inthe art that a specified function may be implemented via differentalgorithms, and any of a number of different algorithms would be a meredesign choice for carrying out the specified function.

Therefore, with respect to a means or a step for performing a specifiedfunction in accordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 6, structurecorresponding to a specified function includes any product programmed toperform the specified function. Such structure includes programmedproducts which perform the function, regardless of whether such productis programmed with (i) a disclosed algorithm for performing thefunction, (ii) an algorithm that is similar to a disclosed algorithm, or(iii) a different algorithm for performing the function.

Where there is recited a means for performing a function hat is amethod, one structure for performing this method includes a computingdevice (e.g., a general purpose computer) that is programmed and/orconfigured with appropriate hardware to perform that function. Alsoincludes a computing device (e.g., a general purpose computer) that isprogrammed and/or configured with appropriate hardware to perform thatfunction via other algorithms as would be understood by one of ordinaryskill in the art.

VIII. Disclaimer

Numerous references to a particular embodiment does not indicate adisclaimer or disavowal of additional, different embodiments, andsimilarly references to the description of embodiments which all includea particular feature does not indicate a disclaimer or disavowal ofembodiments which do not include that particular feature. A cleardisclaimer or disavowal in the present application shall be prefaced bythe phrase “does not include” or by the phrase “cannot perform”.

IX. Incorporation By Reference

Any patent, patent application or other document referred to herein isincorporated by reference into this patent application as part of thepresent disclosure, but only for purposes of written description inaccordance with 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 1 and enablement in accordancewith 35 U.S.C. §112, paragraph 1, and should in no way be used to limit,define, or otherwise construe any term of the present application wherethe present application, without such incorporation by reference, wouldnot have failed to provide an ascertainable meaning, but rather wouldhave allowed an ascertainable meaning for such term to be provided.Thus, the person of ordinary skill in the art need not have been in anyway limited by any embodiments provided in the reference

Any incorporation by reference does not, in and of itself, imply anyendorsement of, ratification of or acquiescence in any statements,opinions, arguments or characterizations contained in any incorporatedpatent, patent application or other document, unless explicitlyspecified otherwise in this patent application.

X. Prosecution History

In interpreting the present application (which includes the claims), oneof ordinary skill in the art shall refer to the prosecution history ofthe present application, but not to the prosecution history of any otherpatent or patent application, regardless of whether there are otherpatent applications that are considered related to the presentapplication, and regardless of whether there are other patentapplications that share a claim of priority with the presentapplication.

XI. Embodiments

Terms

As used herein, the term “viewing window” includes an area of a gamingdevice at which symbols or outcomes are visible. The area may, forinstance, include a pane of glass or other transparent material situatedover reels of the gaming device. Thus, only the portion of the reelsunder the transparent material may be visible to the player. A viewingwindow may include a display screen, in some embodiments. The symbols oroutcomes visible in the viewing window may include the symbols oroutcomes that determine the player's winnings.

Encryption

As used herein, the term “encryption” refers to a process for obscuringor hiding information so that the information is not readilyunderstandable without special knowledge. The process of encryption maytransform raw information, called plaintext, into encrypted information.The encrypted information may be called ciphertext, and the algorithmfor transforming the plaintext into ciphertext may be referred to as acipher. A cipher may also be used for performing the reverse operationof converting the ciphertext back into plaintext. Examples of ciphersinclude substitution ciphers, transposition ciphers, and ciphersimplemented using rotor machines.

In various encryption methods, ciphers may require a supplementary pieceof information called a key. A key may consist, for example, of a stringof bits. A key may be used in conjunction with a cipher to encryptplaintext. A key may also be used in conjunction with a cipher todecrypt ciphertext. In a category of ciphers called symmetric keyalgorithms (e.g., private-key cryptography), the same key is used forboth encryption and decryption. The sanctity of the encryptedinformation may thus depend on the key being kept secret. Examples ofsymmetric key algorithms are DES and AES. In a category of cipherscalled asymmetric key algorithms (e.g., public-key cryptography),different keys are used for encryption and decryption. With anasymmetric key algorithm, any member of the public may use a first key(e.g., a public key) to encrypt plaintext into ciphertext. However, onlythe holder of a second key (e.g., the private key) will be able todecrypt the ciphertext back in to plaintext. An example of an asymmetrickey algorithm is the RSA algorithm.

It will be appreciated that other methods besides encryption may be usedto hide or obscure information, such as encoding or steganography. Suchmethods may also be used in conjunction with cryptography.

Encryption may be used to:

-   -   Send a message only specific recipients can read. For example,        Alice and Bob may both be in possession of the same secret key.        Alice may encrypt a plaintext message with the secret key. She        may transmit the resultant ciphertext to Bob. Bob may then        decrypt the cyphertext using the secret key so as to view the        plaintext version of the message.    -   Allow messages to be encrypted by many and decrypted only one        (e.g., PGP). For example, Alice may possess a public and a        private key. Bob may wish to send Alice a message that only        Alice will be able to read. Bob may create a message in        plaintext and encrypt it using Alice's public key. Bob may send        the resultant ciphertext to Alice. Alice may then decrypt the        ciphertext using her private key, and may thereby view the        plaintext message. Should Cindy intercept the ciphertext message        on its way from Bob to Alice, Cindy would not be able to decrypt        the message since Cindy would not have access to Alice's private        key. Alice's public key, although available to Cindy, would not        be sufficient to decrypt the ciphertext message in a practicable        amount of time.    -   Authenticate the sender of a message. This use of encryption may        include having the sender create a digital signature. For        example, Alice would like to send a message to Bob in such a way        that Bob can be confident that the message has come from her.        Alice may construct a plaintext message and encrypt the        plaintext into ciphertext using her private key. Alice may then        send the ciphertext message to Bob. Bob may then use Alice's        public key to decrypt the ciphertext back in to plaintext. Since        Alice's public key only works to decrypt a ciphertext message        created using Alice's private key, and since presumably only        Alice has access to her own private key, Bob can be confident        that the message originated from Alice.    -   Allow for non-repudiation. If a sender has applied a digital        signature to a message, or portion of a message, then the sender        will not later be able to claim he did not send the message.    -   Guarantee a time/data sent. See hashing below.    -   Guarantee receipt by recipient. See hashing below.    -   Verify that a message has not been altered after being sent by        the sender. See hashing below.

Hashing is a process whereby input data, typically of arbitrary length,is transformed into output data, typically of shorter length and/or offixed length. A hash function is a function that performs thetransformation. Often, useful hash functions will be one-way functions.That is, for a given input, the output can be computed readily. However,for a given output, the input which produced the output will bedifficult to calculate. Also, useful hash functions will often have theproperty that two differing inputs rarely produce the same output.Hashing can be used for the following purposes:

-   -   To perform data redundancy checks. For example, a database may        contain a large number of names. The names may be of arbitrary        length. To check for redundant names, hash values for the names        may be created. The hash values may be of smaller size than the        names and may all be of the same length. Thus, it may be easier        to compare the hash values of the names that it will be to        compare the names themselves.    -   To verify that a message has not been altered. For example,        Alice can send a plaintext message to Bob along with a hash        value of the message. Alice can apply a digital signature to the        hash value so as to assure Bob that the hash value has been sent        by Alice. When Bob receives the plaintext message from Alice,        Bob can compute the hash value of the message. If the hash value        that Bob computes is the same as the hash value that Alice has        sent to Bob, then Bob can be fairly confident that the message        has not been altered en route from Alice to Bob.    -   To prove possession of a message without having to reveal the        message. For example, Alice can send a message to Bob. Bob can        take the hash of the message and send it back to Alice. Alice        may thus be assured that Bob has the message without the risk of        the message being intercepted en route from Bob to Alice.    -   To prove possession of a message at a certain time without        having to reveal the message. For example, Alice might have a        great idea and wish to prove she came up with it at a certain        time without having to reveal the idea. Thus, Alice might write        out the idea in the form of text, and take a hash value of the        text. Alice can then publish the hash of the text in a        newspaper. It will then be readily apparent that Alice had        possession of the idea at least on the date of the newspaper's        publication.    -   To timestamp a document. For example, a document may be sent to        a time-stamping service. The service may then determine the hash        value of the document. The service may append the then current        date and time to the hash value of the document and apply a        digital signature to the result. The digitally signed hash value        plus date and time may then be published. So long as the        time-stamping service can be trusted to provide accurate dates        and times (e.g., not to use old dates and times) then the        published timestamp may serve as proof that the document was in        existence as of the date and time provided by the time-stamping        service. Further precautions may ensure that it becomes very        difficult for even the time-stamping service to provide fake        times and dates. For example, the time-stamping service may add        a sequence number, (e.g., 1, 2, 3, etc.) to each document it        timestamps. If the service wishes to provide an old date, the        service would have to find an older sequence number. The older        sequence number would have to fit between two sequence numbers        used immediately before and immediately after the desired fake        date. However, no such sequence number would be available if,        e.g., no numbers had been skipped in the first place.

FIG. 1 shows a system according to some embodiments. According to someembodiments, Casino A and Casino B may represent facilities whereparticipation in games of chance or in other contests is permitted. Invarious embodiments, in Casinos A and B, players may place bets on gamesor contests, and/or may win or lose money based on games or contests.The system of FIG. 1 may permit secondary players in Casino A andsecondary players in Casino B to participate in the games of primaryplayers who are at Casino A. Further, the system of FIG. 1 may permit asecondary player outside of Casinos A or B to participate in games ofprimary players at casino A. Further, the system of FIG. 1 may permitregulators to track various data related to the games of primary playersplayed at Casino A, to the participation in games by secondary playerswho are at Casino A, to the participation in games by secondary playerswho are at Casino B, and to the participation in games by secondaryplayers who are at neither Casino A nor Casino B. According to someembodiments, Casino A may include a server 110. The server may be incommunication with a gaming device 130, a monitoring device 160, and aterminal of secondary player X 140, each of which may lie within thepremises of Casino A. Server 110 may further be in communication withserver 120 of Casino B, with a server of a regulator 170, and with adevice of a secondary player Z 190, where the secondary player device190 is not located on the premises of Casino A nor Casino B.Communication between server 110 and the device 190 may occur through anexternal network 180, e.g., through the Internet. Casino B may include aserver 120 which is in communication with server 110, with the server ofa regulator 170, and with a terminal of secondary player Y 150, whichmay lie within the premises of Casino B.

In some embodiments, the server of Casino A 110 may receive data about agame from gaming device 130 or from monitoring device 160. A monitoringdevice may include a device such as a camera or microphone which maymonitor a game at Casino A and transmit data about the game to theserver of Casino A. The server of Casino A may transmit data receivedfrom gaming device 130 or monitoring device 160 to the terminal of asecondary player X 140 so as to allow the terminal 140 to recreate thegame, to accept bets from secondary player X on the game, and to paywinnings to secondary player X based on the game.

The server of Casino A 110 may further transmit received data about agame to the server of Casino B 120. The server of Casino B may, in turn,transmit such data to the terminal of a secondary player Y 150 so as toallow the terminal 150 to recreate the game, to accept bets fromsecondary player Y on the game, and to pay winnings to secondary playerY based on the game.

The server of Casino A 110 may further transmit received data about agame to the device of secondary player Z 190, e.g., through theInternet. The device of secondary player Z 190 may, in turn, recreatethe game for secondary player Z, receive bets on the game from secondaryplayer Z, and/or credit winnings to secondary player Z based on thegame.

The server of Casino A 110 may further transmit received data about agame to the server of the regulator 170. Such data may allow theregulator to monitor the fairness of games, to watch for illegal gaming,to track taxable income of the casino, or to perform any other desiredfunction.

In various embodiments, the terminal of secondary player X 140 maytransmit to the server of Casino A 110 data about the activities ofsecondary player X at the terminal. Further, the terminal of secondaryplayer Y 150 may transmit to the server of Casino B 120 data about theactivities of secondary player Y at the terminal. The server of Casino B120 may transmit such data to the server of Casino A 110. Further, thedevice of secondary player Z 150 may transmit to the server of Casino A110 data about the activities of secondary player Z at the device. Datareceived by the server of Casino A 110 from terminals 140 and 150, andfrom device 190 may allow the server of Casino A to tracking winningsand losses of secondary players X, Y, and Z; to determine which data(e.g., data about which games) to transmit to the terminals or device;to determine an amount owed to Casino A by Casino B for use of data fromCasino A; and so on. Further, data received by the server of Casino A110 from terminals 140 and 150, and from device 190 may be forwarded tothe server of the regulator 170. The regulator may use such data totrack the bets of secondary players, to check for illegal gambling, tomonitor the fairness of games, etc.

It should be appreciated that the system of FIG. 1 represents a systemaccording to some embodiments, and that other servers, devices,terminals, networks, and communication links may be present in variousembodiments.

FIG. 2 shows the Casino A server according to some embodiments. Invarious embodiments a similar server may constitute the Casino B server,or the server of any other casino. The storage device 230 may storeprogram data. The program data may be used to direct the processor 210to execute algorithms in accordance with various embodiments. Thestorage device 230 may store other types of data. Such data may includedata received from the play of games; data that can be used to recreategames; data describing bets, wins, and loss of primary and secondaryplayers; data describing the current locations or activities of primaryor secondary players; data describing amounts owed to a casino; and soon. Communication port 220 may be used to transmit and/or to receivedata. Communication port 220 may include an antenna, a wirelesstransmitter, a signal generator, a router, or any other communicationdevice. Any data transmitted or received may be stored, at least at somepoint, in storage device 230.

FIG. 3 shows a gaming device 130 according to some embodiments. Thestorage device 330 may store program data. The program data may be usedto direct the processor 310 to execute algorithms in accordance withvarious embodiments. Program data may include data used to generategraphics, to determine game outcomes, to compute winnings, and so on.The storage device 330 may store other types of data. Such data mayinclude data describing bets, wins, and losses by a primary player atgaming device 130. Input device 340 may include sensors, buttons, touchscreens, microphones, bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, andany other means by which a primary player or other party may interactwith gaming device 130. For example, the input device 340 may include a“bet” button.

The output device 350 may include display screens, microphones, lights,coin dispensers, buzzers, and any other means by which a gaming devicemay provide a signal to the secondary player. The communication port 320may be used to transmit and/or to receive data.

FIG. 4 shows a terminal 140 for use by a secondary player, according tosome embodiments. The storage device 430 may store program data. Theprogram data may be used to direct the processor 410 to executealgorithms in accordance with various embodiments. Program data mayinclude data used to a recreate games or depictions of games based ondata received about original games. Program data may include data usedto generate graphics, to display game outcomes, to compute winnings, andso on. The storage device 430 may store other types of data. Such datamay include data describing bets, wins, and losses by a secondary playerat terminal 140. Input device 340 may include sensors, buttons, touchscreens, microphones, bill validators, coin acceptors, card readers, andany other means by which a secondary player or other party may interactwith terminal 130. For example, the input device 340 may include a “bet”button.

The output device 350 may include display screens, microphones, lights,coin dispensers, buzzers, and any other means by which terminal 140 mayprovide a signal to the secondary player. The communication port 320 maybe used to transmit and/or to receive data.

FIG. 5 shows a monitoring device 160 according to some embodiments. Themonitoring device may receive data about a game via input device 530.The input device 530 may include a camera, microphone, pressure sensor,bar code scanner, sensor, button, and so on. For example, an inputdevice may include a camera that is pointed at a table where a game ofblackjack is being played. For example, an input device may include acamera that is pointed at the viewing window of a slot machine.Communication port 520 may be used to transmit data received by theinput device to e.g., a casino server. In various embodiments, themonitoring device may serve multiple purposes, some of which may notinvolve receiving data about a game. For example, a monitoring devicemay include a camera which also serves security purposes at casinos.

FIG. 6 shows a database entry 600 including various information about agame. The database entry may store various aspects of a game played byprimary player (e.g., by Jane Smith). Such data may later be used toallow a secondary player to participate in the game.

FIG. 7 shows a database entry 700 including various games played by aplayer. The player may be a primary player. The data in database entry700 may allow a secondary player to examine historical data about thegames of a primary player (e.g., about the games of Sam Hunter),including statistics about the games (e.g., the profits made in the last100 games).

FIG. 8 shows a display screen for entering betting information andtracking the progress of a game, according to some embodiments. Thedisplay screen may be sensitive and/or responsive to touch and maythereby function as a touch screen, in some embodiments. One area of thedisplay screen lists the favored primary players of the secondary playercurrently viewing the display. Presumably, the secondary player haslogged in or otherwise identified himself to the terminal or device towhich the display belongs. The secondary player may have previouslyindicated his favored primary players. The casino may thus track thewhereabouts of the favored primary players and alert the secondaryplayer when a favored primary player begins play.

Another area of the display screen includes an announcements area. Thecasino may make announcements to the secondary player. Suchannouncements may include promotional announcements. For example, suchannouncements may include announcements of discounts at casino or otherrestaurants, announcements of discounts on shows, announcements aboutupcoming concerts or boxing matches, announcements about discounts onhotel rooms, and so on. Announcements may include promotions for otherproducts, such as automobiles, toothpaste, or plane flights to theCaribbean. Announcements may further include announcements about primaryplayers in which the secondary player may be interested. For example, anannouncement may indicate that a favored primary player of the secondaryplayer has just begun play.

Another area of the display screen includes a list of primary playersthat are available in the sense that the secondary player mayparticipate in the games of these primary players. This display area mayidentify the primary player, either by real name or by an alias, such as“TeeBone”. The alias may allow a primary player to maintain someanonymity or privacy. This display area may further indicate a gamewhich the primary player is playing (and thus the game the secondaryplayer would be participating in), a minimum bet required of thesecondary player to participate in the game, and one or more statisticsrelated to the primary players. For example, statistics may indicate anumber of consecutive games won by the primary players. This displayarea may further include areas where a secondary player can touch inorder to begin participating in the games of a primary player. Forexample, by touching an area labeled “select” next to primary playerRobert Clements, the secondary player may begin participating in thegames of Robert Clemens.

Another area of the display screen includes windows where a secondaryplayer may track the progress of games in which he is participating.FIG. 8 depicts a first window where the secondary player can follow thegame of primary player “TeeBone”, in whose game the secondary player isparticipating. The game is blackjack, and the secondary player has a betof $5 riding on the game. The game is currently in progress. FIG. 8depicts a second window where the secondary player can follow the gameof primary player Sue Baker. The game is a slot machine game. The gamehas just finished with an outcome of “cherry-bar-cherry”. The secondaryplayer has just won $6 on the game. Now, the secondary player has theopportunity to place bets on the next game, as indicated by the status“open for bets”.

Another area of the display screen includes a display of the creditbalance of the secondary player. These credits may be used to bet ongames in which the secondary player is participating. Each credit maycorrespond, for example, to $0.25 in value. The secondary player mayplace bets using the betting areas of the display screen, including a“Bet 25¢” area, a “Bet $1” area, a “Bet $5” area, a “Repeat Last Bet”area, and an “Auto Bet” area. When touched, such areas may apply to onlythe game which has a status of “Open for Bets”. For example, touchingthe “Bet 1” may cause a bet of $1 to be placed on the game of Sue Baker,since it is that game which has the status of “Open for Bets”. In thisway, there need not be a separate set of betting buttons for every gamein which the secondary player is participating. The “Repeat Last Bet”area may allow the secondary player to easily repeat a prior bet thatmay take extra effort to enter using the other betting areas. Forexample, rather than touching the “Bet $1” area 4 times to enter a $4bet, the secondary player might simply touch the “Repeat Last Bet” areato repeat a prior bet of $4. The “Auto Bet” area may allow the secondaryplayer to continue making the same bet on each new game, for example,without having to always enter a bet. In some embodiments, the secondaryplayer may program in a particular betting strategy and then touch the“Auto Bet” area to have the strategy executed automatically by theterminal of the secondary player. The “Lock Game” area may allow thesecondary player to prevent access to the terminal by other secondaryplayers while he steps away for a break. The “Order Drinks” area mayallow the secondary player to order drinks or other items and have themdelivered to his terminal without ever leaving.

As will be appreciated, the various areas of the touch screen that allowtouch interaction may also be implemented using ordinary buttons or anyother interactive technology.

It should be appreciated that the figures do not necessarily showeverything that might be included in a system, object, machine, device,etc. For example, although not shown in FIG. 3, gaming device 130 mayinclude a coin hopper.

-   1. One player bets on the outcome of a game of another player. For    example, one player bets on whether a winning outcome will be    achieved in the game of another player. For example, one player bets    on whether another player will win. In various embodiments, one    player may place a bet and either win or lose money based on the    results of a game played by another player. As used herein, “primary    player”, “primary players”, and the like, may refer to a player or    players who most directly participate in a game, such as a casino    game. A primary player may, for example, be physically located at a    slot machine and may participate in a game at the slot machine by    inserting a coin, indicating a bet amount, and pulling a handle of    the slot machine. A primary player may also be physically located at    a table game, such as a game of blackjack with a live dealer. In    various embodiments, a primary player directly initiates a game in    which he participates, e.g., by pulling the handle of slot machine    or physically placing a bet at a table game and motioning to a    dealer that he is interested in playing. In various embodiments, a    particular game would not occur but for the actions of the primary    player.    -   As used herein, “secondary player”, “secondary players”, and the        like, may refer to a player or players who participate or may        come to participate in games played by primary players or by        other secondary players. For example, a secondary player places        a bet on a game in which a primary player is involved. The        secondary player wins if the primary player wins, and the        secondary player loses if the primary player loses. In another        example, a secondary player places a bet for a game that has        already occurred. When placing the bet, the secondary player        does not know the outcome of the game. Once the secondary player        has placed the bet, the outcome of the game may be revealed to        the secondary player, and the secondary player may be paid if        the outcome is a winning outcome. In another embodiment,        secondary player A places a $10 bet on secondary player B,        betting that secondary player B will win a game on which        secondary player B has placed a $20 bet. If secondary player B        wins the $20 bet, then secondary player A will win the $10 bet.        In various embodiments, the secondary player does not initiate        the game in which he participates. In various embodiments, a        game in which the secondary player participates would occur        whether or not the secondary player chose to bet on the game.        The game in which a secondary player participates may be        initiated by a primary player or may be initiated automatically,        e.g., by a computer program.    -   Where ever data is used herein, it should be understood that        such data may be stored, such as in a database or in any other        suitable medium, format, or data structure. Data may be stored        in either a fixed location or throughout distributed locations.        Data may be stored either in a single location or in multiple        locations (e.g., in multiple redundant locations). The data may        be retrieved as needed from its storage location. When data is        generated but not immediately needed, such data may be stored        for later retrieval. Data may be accessible by reference to any        part of the data, including any tag or label associated with the        data. For example, if some data elements of a set of data        elements are known, the remaining data elements from the set of        data elements may be retrieved based on the known data elements.        For example, the known data elements may serve as a search key        for finding the remaining data elements in the set of data        elements.    -   In all applicable embodiments described herein, any data        generated, transmitted, stored, retrieved, or used may also be        stored for auditing purposes. Such data may be made available to        regulators to casinos (e.g., to casinos generating the data;        e.g., to casinos using the data), or to any other relevant        party. Data that may be stored may include data describing the        size of a bet made by a primary player on a game, the type of        bet made by a primary player on a game, intermediate events that        occurred during a game (e.g., rolls prior to the final roll in a        game of craps), the date of a game, the decision options that        were available in a game (e.g., hit, stand in blackjack), the        decisions that were made in a game, the outcome of a game, the        amount paid to the winner of a game, and so on.    -   In various embodiments, data may be collected and stored        relating to any searches of game related data. For example,        suppose a secondary player searches for all games in which a        payout of more than 100 coins was won. Accordingly, data        indicating the search criteria may be stored so that it may be        possible to determine in the future that a secondary player        searched for all games in which a payout of more than 100 coins        was won. Further data describing the results of a search may be        stored. For example, if the search by the secondary player        yielded 1218 games, then this fact may be stored. Further        identifiers for each game identified by the search may be        stored.    -   1.1. One player places bets on a game in which another player        participates. In various embodiments, a secondary player may        place a bet on the outcome of a game itself. For example, a        secondary player may place a bet on the outcome of a slot        machine game. If the outcome “bar-bar-bar” occurs in the game,        then the secondary player may receive ten times his bet. The        secondary player need not, in various embodiments, place the        same type of bet as does the primary player. For example, the        primary player may initiate a craps game with a “pass” bet. The        secondary player may bet on the same craps game, but may place a        “don't pass” bet. Thus, though the secondary player and the        primary player have placed bets on the same game, the primary        player may lose and the secondary player may win.    -   1.2. One player places bets on how another player will do. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet on what        will happen to a primary player in a game. The secondary player        does not, in various embodiments, bet on the outcome of the game        itself, but only on how the outcome of the game effects the        primary player given the primary player's bet on the game. For        example, the secondary player may bet that the primary player        will win the game. If the primary player wins, then the        secondary player's bet may be a winning bet and the secondary        player may receive a payment. If, however, the primary player        loses, then the secondary player may lose.        -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may bet that            the primary player will lose. The secondary player may thus            receive a payment for a winning bet if the primary player            loses, but the secondary player may lose his bet if the            primary player wins.        -   It should be noted that often, a bet placed by a primary            player will provide the house or casino with an advantage.            This is how the house may make money, on average. Thus, if a            secondary player is permitted to place a bet against a            primary player, then the secondary player may enjoy the same            advantage as the house. In various embodiments, the            secondary player may be charged a fee for betting against            the primary player. The fee may provide the house with an            advantage in a bet that might otherwise favor the secondary            player. The fee may be a flat fee. The fee may be a            percentage of the secondary player's bet. The fee may be            taken only from payments of winnings received by the            secondary player. For example, if the secondary player wins            a payment of $10 based on a $10 bet placed, 50 cents may be            deducted from the payment and kept by the house.        -   In various embodiments a fee charged to the secondary player            may be set at an amount which provides to the house the same            advantage as the house had against the primary player. As            used herein, a “house advantage” or “house edge” may be            defined as a ratio of the expected amount won by a casino to            the initial amount bet by a player. Suppose that a house            advantage on a game is 1.41%. Thus, a primary player who            bets $1 could expect to receive $0.98.59 back, on average.            Further, suppose that a primary player initially bets $1 and            may receive back $0 (for a net loss of $1) or may receive            back $2 (for a net gain of $1). An exemplary such bet would            be a $1 pass bet in the game of craps. The secondary player,            in this example, may bet $1 against the primary player. The            secondary player would then expect to receive back $1.01.41,            on average. In order to give the house the same advantage            against the secondary player that it had against the primary            player, the secondary player may be charged a fee of            $0.02.82. This fee may be rounded to $0.03, or may be varied            over a large number of secondary player bets so as to            average out to $0.02.82. With the fee taken into account,            the secondary player might expect to receive $0.98.59 back            per dollar bet, providing the house with the same advantage            against the secondary player as it had against the primary            player.        -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may not be            allowed to take exactly the opposite position as does the            primary (e.g., where all wins for the primary player are            losses for the secondary player, and vice versa). In various            embodiments, an outcome that causes the primary player to            lose may not result in a win for the secondary player, even            though the secondary player has bet against the primary            player. For example, an outcome of “plum-orange-cherry” may            cause the primary player to lose, but may also cause the            secondary player to lose. In various embodiments, an outcome            that caused the primary player to lose may result in a push            or tie for the secondary player. In this way, the house may            maintain an edge against the secondary player even if the            house also had an edge against the primary player. In            various embodiments, the outcomes which are losing for the            primary player and not winning for the secondary player may            be chosen in such a way that the house is given the same            advantage over the secondary player that it had over the            primary player. For example, suppose that a particular game            provides the primary player with the potential to either win            $1 net, or lose $1 net. Suppose further that the game has a            2% house edge. Suppose further that outcomes X and Y in the            game are both losing outcomes for the primary player.            Outcome X occurs with probability 0.03, and outcome Y occurs            with probability 0.01. With a bet of $1 against the primary            player, the secondary player would ordinarily expect to win            $1.02, for an average net profit of $0.02. However, in            various embodiments, outcomes X and Y may also be counted as            ties for the secondary player. The secondary player's            expected payment is then reduced by the probability of X            times the amount that would have been won (beyond the bet            amount) upon the occurrence of X, plus the probability of Y            times the amount that would have been won (beyond the bet            amount) upon the occurrence of Y. This reduction is equal to            0.03×$1+0.01×$1=$0.04. The secondary player's expected            winnings have thus been brought down from $1.02 to $0.98.            This reduction provides the house with the same 2% edge            against the secondary player as it had in the original game            against the primary player.        -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may bet against            an outcome that would ordinarily be winning in a game. For            example, in a game of blackjack, the secondary player may            bet that the dealer will win. In various embodiments, the            house may then alter the probabilities of various outcomes            in the game so as to return an edge to the house. For            example, if a secondary player bets on the dealer in a game            of blackjack, the house may remove cards with low point            values from the deck. This may reduce the probability of a            dealer win, and thus may reduce the probability that the            secondary player may win when betting on the dealer. In            various embodiments, a game where the secondary player bets            on the house may not be a game that was actually played by a            primary player. Rather, the game may be a game that is or            was simulated by the house with probabilities of various            outcomes altered from the standard probabilities of the            game.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may take the            house's position, or approximately the house's position, and            bet against a primary player. The secondary player may            thereby lose whatever the primary player wins, and win            whatever the primary player loses. For example, if the            primary player loses his bet of $1, then the secondary            player may win $1. However, if the primary player wins $10,            the secondary loses $10. In order that the house may be sure            of collecting $10 from the secondary player in the event            that the primary player wins $10, the house may require the            secondary player to place a sufficient deposit with the            house to cover possible losses of the secondary player. The            deposit might come in the form of a credit balance that the            secondary player has accumulated (e.g., as a result of            inserting bills, or as a result of winning bets), in the            form of a financial account that the house is free to charge            in order to collect on the secondary player's obligations            (e.g., the secondary player may provide a credit card            number), in the form of a check that the secondary player            has provided to the house, or in any other suitable form. In            various embodiments, the house may require a deposit or            other commitment from the secondary player equal to the            maximum possible payout that may be received by the primary            player. For example, suppose the primary player participates            in a game in which the primary player may win up to $100. If            the secondary player bets against the primary player, then            the secondary player may risk losing up to $100 in a game.            The house may thus require the secondary player to have a            credit balance of as much as $100 in order to bet against            the primary player. In various embodiments, the house may            require the secondary player to confirm (e.g., by pressing a            button) that the secondary player is aware he has the            potential to lose up to X amount, where X is the maximum the            secondary player might lose from participating in a game.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet against a            primary player while not mirroring the payouts of the            primary player. For example, the secondary player may bet $1            on a game in which the secondary player bets that the            primary player will lose. If the primary player does lose            the game, the secondary player may receive $1.25, for a net            profit of $0.25. If, the primary player wins, the secondary            player may lose his bet of $1, for a net loss of $1. The            secondary player may lose $1 regardless of the amount that            the primary player wins. For example, the secondary player            may lose $1 whether the primary player wins $1 or whether            the primary player wins $100.        -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may bet that a            primary player will win a certain multiple of the primary            player's bet in a given game. For example, the secondary            player may bet $5 that the primary player will win at least            triple the primary player's bet of $2 in a game. The            secondary player may win $20 if the primary player wins at            least $6. Otherwise, the secondary player may lose his bet            of $5.        -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may be paid            according to a table or function that maps every possible            result of a primary player to a payment for the secondary            player. For example, the secondary player may receive $3 if            the primary player wins $0, $5 if the primary player wins            $1, $0 if the primary player wins $2, $0 if the primary            player wins $3, $1 if the primary player wins $4, and so on.            As will be understood, the function need not perform a            linear or continuous mapping.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be forbidden            and/or prevented from placing a bet that would provide the            secondary player with an edge. For example, a secondary            player may be prevented from betting against a primary            player, where the house had an edge versus the primary            player.    -   1.3. A player places bets for games from the past. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet on a game that        has occurred in the past. With respect to the game, at least one        of the following may have occurred in the past (e.g., before the        secondary player placed a bet on the game): (a) the game's        start; (b) the game's conclusion; (c) collection of a bet from        the primary player who played the game; and (d) payment of        winnings to the primary player who played the game.        -   When a game is originally played, a record of the game may            be created. The record may include data sufficient to            recreate all or part of the game. Such data may include: (a)            one or more seeds or random numbers used to generate            outcomes for the game; (b) one or more outcomes of the game            (e.g., “cherry-bell-lemon”; e.g., a sequence of five cards,            such as cards constituting a poker hand; e.g., a set of            hands of cards, such as a player hand and dealer hand, or            such as a player hand and hands of the player's opponent;            e.g., the number or numbers showing on one or more dice,            such as in a game of craps; e.g., a sequence of numbers            showing on a sequence of dice rolls; e.g., a set of numbers            in a game of keno; e.g., the payouts achieved in a bonus            round; e.g., the level achieved in a bonus round); (c) one            or more symbols comprising an outcome of the game; (d) one            or more cards; (e) reel positions for one or more reels of a            slot machine; (f) a number of decks used; (g) a decision            made by a primary player of the game; (h) one or more            algorithms used to generate an outcome of the game; (i) an            identifier for the gaming device used in the game; (j) a pay            table used for the game; (k) a make, model, or year for the            gaming device used in the game; (l) a date or time when the            game was played; (m) a location where the game was            played; (n) a dealer involved in the game; (o) a position of            the primary player at a table used in playing the game; (p)            an identifier (e.g., a name) for the primary player who            played the game; (q) an identifier of another player in the            game (e.g., another player at a blackjack table where the            game was played); (r) a bet made by a primary player of the            game; (s) winnings received by the primary player in the            game; (t) video footage of the game; (u) audio footage of            the game; and (v) an order of cards dealt from a deck of            cards. Video footage of the game may include video footage            from various perspectives. In some embodiments, video            footage may show or focus on cards, dice, or reels, or other            items which determine and/or reveal the outcome of a game.            Video footage may include footage of actions in a game, such            as footage of a player making bets, making decision, and/or            collecting winnings. Such video footage may focus on a            player's hands, for example. In some embodiments, video            footage may show or focus on a dealer or other casino            representative in charge of a game. In some embodiments,            video footage may show or focus on a player's face or body.            For example, video footage may show a player's facial            expressions or body language during a game. In some            embodiments, video footage may focus on spectators. In some            embodiments, video footage is recorded from a live game. In            some embodiments, video footage is generated. Video footage            may be generated based on stored data about a game.        -   Video footage may be generated in a number of ways. In some            embodiments, video footage may be generated by assembling            stock video clips. For example, one stock video clip may            show a primary player (e.g., an actor acting as a primary            player) making a bet. Another stock video clip may show a            primary player rolling the dice. There may be stock video            clips of every possible outcome in a game. For example,            there may be a stock video clip showing the every possible            roll of two dice. To assemble video footage of a complete            game, the casino may e.g., put together a video clip of a            bet being made, a video clip of an outcome being rolled            corresponding to the outcome that actually occurred in the            original game the secondary player is betting on, and a            video clip of a player collecting his winnings. In some            embodiments, stock video footage may include video footage            of entire games. Should a similar game later occur, the same            video footage may be used for the similar game when the            secondary player is participating in the similar game.        -   In some embodiments, video footage is generated using            computer algorithms. For example, computer algorithms may            generate footage showing a simulated primary player placing            a bet and rolling dice, the dice bouncing and landing, a            simulated croupier paying winnings, and so on. In various            embodiments, video may be generated so as to be true, as            much as practicable, to the data of the game. For example,            video may be generated to show a video or animated depiction            of an outcome that actually occurred in a game of a primary            player.        -   In various embodiments, video may be generated based on data            about a game. Data indicating the bet amount of a primary            player may be used to generate video of a primary player            (e.g., a simulated primary player) making a bet of the same            bet amount. Data indicating an outcome of a game may be used            to generate video showing the same outcome being generated.            Data indicating intermediate symbols or indicia that appear            during a game may be used to generate video showing those            same intermediate symbols or indicia. For example, data            indicating that a particular position at a blackjack table            was dealt the seven of hearts may be used to generate video            showing the simulated dealing of the seven of hearts on a            simulated blackjack table. Data indicating the identity of a            primary player may be used to generate video. For example,            based on a stored photo of a primary player, the casino may            generate cartoon caricatures of the primary player playing a            game. Data indicating the age or other demographic of a            primary player may be used to generate video. For example,            if the primary player is a 60 year-old female, the casino            may generate a cartoon caricature of a 60 year-old female            playing a game. In some embodiments, demographic data about            a player may be used to retrieve stock footage of a player            with similar characteristics. For example, stock footage of            a 60 year-old female player may be retrieved.        -   The record of the game may be stored by a gaming device,            casino server, third party server, or other device.            Subsequently, a secondary player may place a bet on the            game, or on some aspect of the game. Once the secondary            player has placed a bet, data stored in the record may be            used to recreate the game, or to recreate some aspect of the            game. For example, video footage of the game may be shown to            the secondary player. In some embodiments, the outcome of            the game may simply be displayed for the secondary player.        -   Based on the outcome of the game, and based on the bet            placed by the secondary player, the secondary player may            lose his bet, lose a portion of his bet, break even, or be            paid winnings. For example, if the outcome of the game is a            winning outcome, then the secondary player may be paid based            on the standard rules of the game. For example, if the            secondary player bets $10 on a game of blackjack, and the            primary player in the game received 20 points to the            dealer's 19, then the secondary player may win $10 in            addition to keeping his bet.        -   If the secondary player has placed a bet on what would            happen to the primary player, then the winnings and/or            losses of the primary player may be revealed to the            secondary player. For example, if the secondary player bet            against the primary player, and the primary player lost, the            secondary player may win. If the secondary player made a bet            whereby the secondary player receives twice the winnings of            the primary player, and the primary player wins $20, then            the secondary player may receive $40    -   1.4. A primary player on which a secondary player was betting is        no longer available. In various embodiments, a secondary player        may participate in one or more games played by a primary player.        For example, the secondary player may place bets on the games        played by the primary player. The primary player may, at some        point, terminate his playing session. The secondary player may,        on the other hand, wish to continue his participation in the        games of the primary player, and may thus find himself deprived        of opportunities to make bets on the games of the primary        player.        -   1.4.1. A primary player is asked to stay. In various            embodiments, the primary player may signal his intention to            terminate a playing session. For example, the primary player            may stand up, cash out, refrain from placing a bet even            though he is at a table game, and so on. The secondary            player may signal his desire to continue participating. For            example, the secondary player may press a button labeled            “continue session” on a betting interface. The secondary            player may communicate his desire verbally (e.g., to a            casino representative), via text (e.g., via a text message            sent to a casino representative) or in any other manner.            Regardless of whether the secondary player actually signals            his desire to continue participating, the primary player may            be contacted. For example, a representative of the casino            may contact the primary player. Such a representative may            include a waitress, pit boss, dealer, etc. The primary            player may be asked to stay and to continue playing. The            primary player may be offered a benefit for staying, such as            cash, goods or services, a free meal, show tickets, improved            odds, comp points, and so on.            -   The primary player may be informed that there is a                secondary player who appreciates the results of the                primary player and wishes for the primary player to                remain.            -   In some embodiments, a primary player who has signaled                an intent to leave may be asked to stay only if one or                more criteria are satisfied. For example, the primary                player may be asked to stay only if at least three                secondary players have been participating in the games                of the primary player. Other criteria may include: (a)                there are at least X secondary players watching the                games of the primary player; (b) there are at least X                secondary players who are interested in participating in                the games of the primary player; (c) there has been at                least X dollar amount of bets placed by secondary                players on each game of the primary player; (d) there                has been a total of at least X dollar amount of bets                placed by secondary players on games of the primary                player during a particular period of time, number of                games, particular playing session, etc.; (e) the casino                has made at least X dollars of profit from secondary                players having participated in the games of the primary                player; (f) the casino has made at least X dollars of                theoretical win or profits from secondary players having                participated in the games of the primary player; and so                on. It will be appreciated that a casino may require any                combination of the above criteria to be met in order for                a primary player to be asked to stay. There may be                multiple ways of meeting the above criteria, including                by partially satisfying two or more of the criteria. It                will further be appreciated that there may be other                criteria that a casino may use based on whose                satisfaction the casino may ask a primary player to                continue with a playing session.            -   In various embodiments, a casino may offer a primary                player an opportunity to play a fair game (i.e., where                the primary player's expected winnings accounting for                the cost of betting are exactly 0), if the primary                player will continue to play.        -   1.4.2. The casino plays automatically. In some embodiments,            when a primary player terminates a playing session, the            casino or house may play in place of the primary player. For            example, a dealer at a blackjack table may continue to deal            a hand to the position where the primary player had been.            The dealer may make decisions for the hand, such as hit or            stand decisions. The decisions may be made according to            optimum strategy. The decisions may also be made based on            inputs from the secondary player. Another representative of            the casino may also stand in for the primary player. For            example, the other representative may sit at the table or            slot machine where the primary player had been, and may            resume play.            -   In some embodiments, game outcomes may be generated                automatically once the primary player leaves. For                example, a slot machine that the primary player has left                may continue to generate outcomes. The secondary player                may thus continue to place bets on the outcomes.            -   In some embodiments, a computer algorithm may make                decisions in a game. The computer algorithm may                substitute in for a primary player in a game so that a                secondary player may participate in the game without the                presence of a human primary player. In some embodiments                a computer algorithm may act as a primary player even                when a secondary player had not been participating in                games of a prior human primary player. In other words, a                computer algorithm need not necessarily substitute in                for a primary player, but may serve as a simulated or                artificial primary player from the get go. A computer                algorithm may make decisions in a game. The computer                algorithm may make decisions of how much to bet;                decisions of what types of bets to make (e.g., the                computer algorithm may decide whether or not to make an                insurance get in a game of blackjack); decisions of                whether to check, bet, raise, call, or fold (e.g., in a                game of poker); decisions about whether or not to                receive additional cards (e.g., in games of blackjack or                video poker); and any other decisions that may be made                in a game. The computer algorithm may refer to a stored                set of rules for making decisions in a game. For                example, the computer algorithm may refer to a table                which lists one or more possible situations which might                arise in a game and which lists a corresponding decision                that should be made should that situation arise. The                computer algorithm may also include procedures, logic,                or other computational methods for computing a decision                given a game state. For example, in a game of video                poker, a computer algorithm may compute expected                winnings given each of several possible decisions. The                computer may determine which of the decisions leads to                the highest expected winnings and make that decision.            -   In various embodiments, a computer algorithm may be                programmed to make decisions which yield the highest                expected winnings, payouts, and/or profits in a game. In                various embodiments, a computer algorithm may be                programmed to approximate the play of a human player.                The computer algorithm may be programmed to, at least                occasionally, favor strategies with emotional or                intuitive appeal over those that are optimal. For                example, a computer algorithm may be programmed to                pursue a high paying hand in a game of video poker even                when expected winnings would be optimized by pursuing a                lower paying but more certain hand. In various                embodiments, computer algorithms may be programmed with                different personalities. Some might be programmed to                take big risks in the strategies they use. Some might be                programmed to play conservatively. Some computer                algorithms may be programmed to bet frequently (e.g., in                games of poker). Some computer algorithms may be                programmed to bet infrequently, and only with very good                hands (e.g., in games of poker).        -   1.4.3. An interrupted session of the primary player is            resumed when primary player returns. In some embodiments,            when a primary player leaves, the session of the secondary            player may be put on hold. That is, for the time being, the            secondary player may not have the opportunity of placing            bets and participating in games played by the primary            player. However, the secondary player may have the            opportunity to resume playing when the primary player            returns and initiates new games.            -   1.4.3.1. An alert is given to the secondary player when                primary player returns. In some embodiments, the                secondary player may be sent an alert when the primary                player has returned, or when the primary player is soon                to return, or when the primary player is likely to                return. The alert may take the form of a phone call,                email, text message, verbal alert by a casino                representative, and so on.        -   1.4.4. In some embodiments, a secondary player may indicate            a primary player in whose games the secondary player may be            interested in participating. The secondary player may            thereby “tag” or “bookmark” the primary player as a player            in whose games the secondary player may wish to participate.            In various embodiments, the casino may allow the secondary            player to easily determine when a bookmarked primary player            is playing (e.g., is seated at a gaming device or gaming            table; e.g., has inserted a player tracking card at a gaming            device or gaming table; e.g., has played one or more games            in the recent past). For example, a secondary player may            peruse a list of bookmarked primary player. The secondary            player may select one of the primary players from the list            and may then be shown whether or not the primary player is            currently playing, what game the primary player is playing,            where the primary player is playing, or any other            information of interest. In some embodiments, the casino may            alert the secondary player anytime a bookmarked primary            player has begun playing. In some embodiments, the casino            may keep track of various statistics related to primary            players that the secondary player has bookmarked. The casino            may report such statistics to the secondary player when the            secondary player makes contact with the casino (e.g., sits            at terminal from which the secondary player may participate            in games of the primary player), or at any other time.            Statistics may include statistics about recent games played,            recent wins, recent losses, recent large payouts, recent            profits, and so on. Statistics need not necessarily be            recent, but may be recent if the secondary player has            previously learned of older statistics about the primary            player. In various embodiments, if a secondary player is            ready to begin participating in the games of a primary            player, the secondary player may be offered (e.g., by            default) the opportunity to participate in games of a            bookmarked primary player. The secondary player may be            offered the opportunity to participate in the games of a            first bookmarked primary player (e.g., a primary player that            is first on the secondary player's list of favorite primary            players). If the secondary player declines, the secondary            player may be offered the opportunity to participate in            games of a second bookmarked primary player (e.g., a primary            player that is second on the secondary player's list of            favorite primary players), and so on. In various            embodiments, secondary players may share tags or bookmarks            of primary players amongst themselves. For example, a            secondary player may publish a list of whom he thinks are            “lucky” primary players. Other secondary players may view            the list and decide to participate in the games of the            listed primary players.        -   1.4.5. An expected value is paid to the secondary player. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may have placed a            bet on results of a primary player spanning more than one            game. For example, the secondary player may have bet that a            primary player would be ahead monetarily after one hour of            play. If, however, the primary player leaves prior to            completing one hour of play, there is the potential that the            secondary player's bet remains unresolved. In various            embodiments, the secondary player's bet is settled for the            expected value (EV) of the secondary player's winnings. For            example, if, based on the current time, the current winnings            of the primary player, and the odds of the game that the            primary player has been playing, the expected winnings of            the secondary player are $8, then the secondary player may            be paid $8 when the primary player terminates his session.            The bet may also be settled for various functions of the EV,            such as for the EV less a processing fee, 50% of the EV, and            so on.        -   1.4.6. Bets are returned to the secondary player. In some            embodiments, when the primary player terminates a session, a            bet made be the secondary player that was dependent on the            primary player finishing the session may be returned to the            secondary player.        -   1.4.7. Options to participate in the games of other primary            players are shown to the secondary player. In some            embodiments, when the primary player terminates a session,            the secondary player may be presented with other primary            players on whom or on whose games the secondary player might            bet. By selecting one or more of the new primary players,            the secondary player may continue participating in games.            For the purposes of a bet that required the completion of            the session by the original primary player, the new primary            player may be treated as if he was continuing where the            original primary player left off. For example, the new            primary player may be treated as if he has lost $6 during            the past half hour, as the original primary player actually            did. If the new primary player subsequently wins $10 in the            next half hour, a bet made by the secondary player that the            original primary player would be ahead after an hour of play            would be a winning bet.            -   When a selection of new primary players is presented to                the secondary player, primary players presented may be                chosen by the casino based on similarities to the                original primary player. For example, suppose the                original primary player was from Texas. When the                original primary player terminates his session, new                primary players may be presented wherein each is also                from Texas. Other characteristics that the original and                new primary players may share include: (a) both may play                the same type game (e.g., both may play IGT's Wheel of                Fortune® slot machines); (b) both may be of the same                gender; (c) both may be the same age; (d) both may have                the same occupation; (e) both may have the same                geographic location of residence or origin; (f) both may                have common interests (e.g., in music, food, sports,                etc.); and (g) both may share common birthdays.        -   1.4.8. The secondary player is given the opportunity to            become a primary player. He's told where he can sit down and            start playing. In some embodiments, when a primary player            terminates his session, the secondary player is offered the            chance to become a primary player. For example, the            secondary player is shown the location of the slot machine            or table game where the primary player had been playing. The            secondary player may be offered the opportunity to take the            seat and/or take the place of the primary player.        -   1.4.9. Historical games of the primary player are found. In            some embodiments, when the primary player terminates a            session of play, the secondary player may be offered the            opportunity to participate in historical games of the            primary player. In various embodiments, the historical games            may include games in which the secondary player has not            already participated. The secondary player may thereby have            the opportunity to continue benefiting from the skill, luck,            or other value he associates with the primary player.    -   1.5. Maintenance of player privacy. In various embodiments, the        identity of a primary player may be shielded from the secondary        player. This may prevent a secondary player from finding out        sensitive financial information about the primary player, from        scolding the primary player for unfavorable outcomes, or for        otherwise causing harm or discomfort to the primary player.        -   1.5.1. The secondary player doesn't see who he is betting            on. In various embodiments, facial features or any other            potentially identifying features of a primary player are            hidden from the secondary player. For example, in video            footage of the game of the primary player, the face is            blurred, covered, or completely omitted from the field of            view. Voices may be edited out or masked.        -   1.5.2. The secondary player does not know the location of            the person he is betting on. In various embodiments, the            location of the primary player is disguised or kept hidden.            Otherwise, especially for a live game, it would be            conceivable that the secondary player could find the primary            player by simply going to the location of the primary            player. Thus, in various embodiments, video footage of the            game of the primary player may omit distinguishing            characteristics of the primary player's location. Such            characteristics may include identifiable features of a            casino, such as pictures, sculptures, fountains, names of            restaurants, signs for a bathroom, signs for a poker room or            other casino sector, and so on. Distinguishing features of a            table game may also be disguised or omitted. For example, a            unique design or color of a table may be omitted. In various            embodiments, games or locations with readily identifiable            and/or unique characteristics may be ineligible for            participation by secondary players.        -   1.5.3. Limits to how many times a secondary player can bet            on one particular person. In various embodiments, there may            be a limit as to the number of games of a primary player in            which a secondary player may participate. This may lessen            the likelihood of the secondary player developing any strong            feelings towards the primary player one way or the other. In            various embodiments, there is a limit to the amount of time            that the secondary player is allowed to spend participating            in the games of a given primary player.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be                switched from participating in the games of a first                primary player to participating in the games of a second                primary player. The secondary player may be switched                without the secondary player knowing that he has been                switched. For example, the secondary player may receive                data about a game that includes the symbols, indicia,                and/or outcomes generated during the game. However, the                secondary player may not necessarily receive identifying                information about a primary player of the game. Thus,                when the secondary player is switched from participating                in the games of a first primary player to participating                in the games of a second primary player, the secondary                player may not be aware of the switch since the                secondary player may have no access to identifying                information for either the first or second primary                players. In various embodiments, the secondary player                may be switched form participating in the games of a                first primary player to participating in the games of a                second primary player after a predetermined number of                games. For example, after participating in 25 games of a                first primary player, the secondary player may be                switched to participating in the games of a second                primary player. In various embodiments, a switch may                occur at random. For example, after every game played by                a first primary player, the casino may randomly generate                a number between 1 and 100. If the number is greater                than 80, the casino may switch the secondary player from                participating in the games of the first primary player                to participating in the games of a second primary                player. In some embodiments, the switch may occur after                a random number of games with an upper boundary. For                example, if the secondary player has not been switched                after 20 games with a first primary player, the                secondary player may be switched automatically. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may be switched upon his                own request. In various embodiments, when a secondary                player is switched between the games of different                primary players with reasonable frequency, the chances                with which a primary player's privacy becomes                compromised may be reduced. In some embodiments, a                secondary player may be informed when he has been                switched from the games of a first primary player to the                games of a second primary player. In some embodiments,                the secondary player is not informed of the switch.        -   1.5.4. Introduction of a time delay so that the primary            player is no longer located where he had been by the time            the secondary player begins participation in the games of            the primary player. In various embodiments, a secondary            player is restricted to betting on games that have occurred            a predetermined amount of time in the past, e.g., one day or            more in the past. In this way, the secondary player is            unlikely to be able to contact the primary player, as the            primary player may no longer be in the vicinity. In various            embodiments, the secondary player is restricted to betting            on games that have been played by a primary player who has            already left the location in which the games were originally            played.    -   1.6. A secondary player or spectator is provided with knowledge        about what the next cards will be, or what the primary player's        opponent holds. The secondary player may watch the primary        player struggle with a decision while the secondary player        already knows the correct decision. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may be informed of some information about a        game that the primary player does not know, or at least did not        know at the time the primary player was participating in the        game. For example, a primary player may be engaged in a game of        video poker. The secondary player may watch the progress of the        game from a remote terminal. The secondary player may be        informed that the next four cards in the deck are all aces.        However, this information is not known to the primary player.        Thus, the secondary player may experience the excitement of        hoping the primary player will draw four cards.        -   1.6.1. The secondary player knows the next cards, the            symbols that will occur on reels, the proper door to open in            a bonus game, etc. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may be informed of one or more of the following at a            point in a game prior to when a primary player finds out (or            found out): (a) an outcome of a game (e.g.,            “cherry-cherry-cherry”); (b) a payment that the primary            player will receive based on the game; (c) a game result            (e.g., win, lose); (d) a reel position; (e) a symbol that            will appear on a reel (e.g., the secondary player may know            that the third reel of a slot machine will show a symbol            “bar” that will complete a winning outcome of “bar-bar-bar”            prior to when the primary player finds out); (f) a card that            will be received by the primary player; (g) a card that will            be received by a dealer; (h) a card that is at or near the            top of the deck being used in a game of cards; (i) a hand of            cards that will be achieved by a primary player should the            primary player make a particular decision (e.g., a hit            decision in blackjack); (j) an order of cards in a deck of            cards (k) a payment, result, or outcome that would result            from a particular choice in a bonus game of a gaming device            (e.g., the primary player would win 200 coins by choosing            door number 3 in a bonus game); (l) a card that will be            received by the primary player's opponent; (m) a card held            by the primary player's opponent (e.g., in a poker            hand); (n) a number that will appear on a die in a game            (e.g., in craps); (o) a number that will come up in the game            of roulette; and so on.        -   1.6.2. The secondary player may make a new bet at apparently            good odds if the primary player is not likely to make a            decision that would win for the secondary player. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be allowed to place a            bet on a game being played by the primary player after            finding out information about the game. The bet may be made            at odds apparently favorable to the primary player. For            example, suppose that a primary player holds an initial hand            of video poker comprising the Ks, Kc, 10h, 3c and 7d.            Unbeknownst to the primary player, but known to the            secondary player, the next four cards in the deck are the            Ah, Kh, Qh, and Jh. Thus, were the primary player to discard            the Ks, Kc, 3c, and 7d, the primary player would achieve a            royal flush, the highest paying outcome, in various            embodiments. The secondary player may be allowed to bet four            coins on the game. The secondary player may win 1 coin for a            pair, jacks or better, 2 coins for two-pair, 3 coins for            three-of-a-kind, and 800 for a royal flush. Thus, the            secondary player may bet 4 coins with an apparent potential            to win 800 coins. Indeed, it is possible that the second            player will win 800 coins. However, it would be very            unlikely for the primary player to discard a pair of kings            in order to draw four cards to the 10h. Thus, it is more            likely the primary player will keep his pair of kings, draw            three cards, and end up with three kings, providing the            secondary player with a payout of 3 coins. Thus, in various            embodiments, the strategy of a primary player may be            predicted, e.g., by the casino server. The predicted            strategy may be, e.g., an optimal strategy given lack of any            knowledge about future results or outcomes (e.g., future            cards in a deck). Based on predictions of the primary            player's strategy, the casino server may provide betting            opportunities for the secondary player such that the house            will maintain an advantage given the predicted strategies.            The same betting opportunities provided to the secondary            player may have provided the house with a disadvantage if            the primary player were to be able to utilize knowledge of            future results or outcomes (e.g., future cards in a deck).            Accordingly, a secondary player may make certain bets on a            game in the hopes that the primary player will deviate from            optimal or conventional strategy.        -   1.6.3. The secondary player may provide hints. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may have the opportunity to            convey a hint to the primary player. A hint may take the            form of a suggested decision. For example, a hint may            indicate that the primary player should discard the first            and third cards in his hand of video poker. A hint may take            the form of a veto. For example, the primary player may            first indicate a particular choice of strategy, such as a            particular combination of cards to discard in a game of            video poker. The secondary player may provide an indication            that such a strategy should not be followed. The secondary            player may be allowed only one veto, or may be allowed up to            a predetermined number of vetoes. A hint may take the form            of information about a symbol, result, or outcome of a game.            For example, in the bonus round of a slot machine game, the            secondary player may inform the primary player of the number            of coins behind door 2. It may happen that there are more            coins behind door 3, but the secondary player may only be            allowed to give a hint about door 2, in some embodiments.        -   1.6.4. The secondary player may watch the primary player for            entertainment purposes. The secondary player may watch            facial expressions during good outcomes or during            near-misses. In various embodiments, the secondary player            may derive entertainment or other gratification from            watching the experiences of the primary player. The            secondary player may, for instance, watch a primary player            play a game in which the primary player will win a large            payout. The secondary player can watch the expression on the            face of the primary player (e.g., from video footage) and            see the expression change from neutral to an expression of            surprise and elation. The secondary player may choose to            participate in games that are likely to have or to have had            an emotional impact on the primary player. The secondary            player may thus choose games in which a payment above a            predetermined amount was won, in which a certain outcome            (e.g., a winning outcome) was achieved, in which a jackpot            was achieved, in which a bonus round was played, and so on.            A secondary player may also choose a game in which the            primary player comes close, or apparently comes close to            achieving a large payment. For example, the secondary player            may choose a game in which the primary player has four cards            to a royal flush in video poker, and will draw a fifth card.            The secondary player may also choose a game in which two out            of three reels of a slot machine line up on jackpot symbols.        -   1.6.5. A search is performed to find games that include near            misses of high paying outcomes, or any other characteristic.            In various embodiments, a secondary player may receive            information about various games that will happen, are in            progress, or have happened already. Based on the            information, the secondary player may choose a game in which            to participate, or which to watch. The secondary player may            have a preferred game he likes to play, a preferred primary            player he likes to bet with (or on), a preferred dealer in            whose game he wishes to participate, and so on. The            secondary player may also wish to participate in games where            he knows something about the outcome, results, or other            information about the game. For example, the secondary            player may wish to participate in games where the first two            reels of a slot machine show the jackpot symbols.            -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may                indicate a desired criterion, or desired criteria about                the game. Various games satisfying the criterion or                criteria may then be made available for the secondary                player to participate in. The secondary player may then                choose one or more of the games to participate in. In                various embodiments, once the secondary player has                indicated a criterion or criteria, the secondary player                may automatically begin participating in a game matching                the criterion or criteria. Criteria indicated for a game                by a secondary player may include one or more of the                following: (a) the game has a particular dealer; (b) the                game has a particular number of players; (c) the game is                played at a particular gaming device; (d) the game is                played at a particular type of gaming device; (e) the                game is played by a particular primary player; (f) the                game is played by a primary player with a particular                characteristic (e.g., age, race, marital status,                nationality, area of residence, occupation, etc.); (g)                the game has a potential payout above a particular level                (e.g., the game has a payout of more than 1000 times the                bet); (h) the game has an expected payout above a                certain level (e.g., an expected payout of more than 95%                of the original bet); (i) the game has a bonus                round; (j) the game is played in a certain location; (k)                the game is played at a certain time or date; (l) the                game is, or will be a winning game (e.g., the game will                pay at least three times an initial bet of the primary                player); (m) the game will feature an outcome that has                almost all the required symbols necessary for a large                payout (e.g., a game of video poker has four cards to a                royal flush); and so on.        -   1.6.6. Preventing collaboration. In various embodiments,            measures may be taken to prevent collaboration between the            primary player and the secondary player. Particularly if the            secondary player knows information about the game, such as            hidden cards in a deck, the secondary player would be able            to confer an advantage to the primary player and to himself            by communicating with the primary player. As discussed            previously, the identity of the primary player may be            shielded from the secondary player. Similarly, the identity            of the secondary player may be shielded from the primary            player. One or both of the primary and secondary players may            be kept in an enclosure, such as a sound-proof room or            Faraday cage, that reduces the possibility of communication.            Signal detectors, such as antennas, may be placed near the            primary or secondary players to detect possible            communications between the two. Cell phones, pagers,            Blackberries™ and other communication devices may be            temporarily confiscated from either or both of the primary            and secondary players. The secondary player may participate            in the game only after one or more, including all game            decisions have been made in the game.    -   1.7. What happens if a machine needs servicing in the middle of        a roll? What happens if the primary player is taking too long to        finish a game? In various embodiments, the completion of a game        may be delayed or prevented. For example, a gaming device may        break down in the middle of a game. A primary player may get        into a discussion with a friend in the middle of a video poker        game, and may thus delay a decision in the game for several        minutes. A secondary player participating in a delayed game may        find the delay frustrating and may wish to complete the game in        some other manner.        -   1.7.1. A game is completed automatically. In various            embodiments, the game may be completed automatically, e.g.,            by the casino. The game that is completed automatically may,            in fact, be a copy of the original game, so that the primary            player can complete the original game on his own. However,            the secondary player may receive a payment based on the            automatically completed game. The game may be completed            using a predetermined strategy, such as optimal strategy.            The game may be completed using a random strategy where, for            example, one of several possible strategies is selected at            random.        -   1.7.2. The secondary player makes the decisions in a game.            In some embodiments, the secondary player may have the            opportunity to complete the game by making his own            decisions. For example, if the game is blackjack, the            secondary player may indicate decisions such as “hit” or            “stand” so as to complete the game. The secondary player            may, in various embodiments, complete a copy of the original            game, so that the primary player may complete the original            game on his own. A copy of the original game may include a            second game with one or more similar parameters or aspects            to the first game. For example, in the copied version of the            game, one or more of the player hand, the dealer's hand, the            order of cards in a deck, the prizes available behind            certain doors in a bonus game, etc., may be the same as in            the original game.        -   1.7.3. A bet is returned to the secondary player. In various            embodiments, when a game is delayed, the bet placed by the            secondary player on the game may be returned to the            secondary player.        -   1.7.4. The secondary player is provided with an expected            value of his winnings at that point in the game. In various            embodiments, when a game is delayed, the expected payment or            the expected winnings to be paid the secondary player may be            provided to the secondary player. In some embodiments, a            function of the expected payment is provided, such as the            expected payment less a fee.    -   1.8. Communication between the secondary player and the primary        player. In some embodiments, the primary player and the        secondary player may be given the opportunity to communicate.        Communication may occur via text, voice, or any other means.        Communication may occur through the casino server. Communication        may be monitored by the casino, such as by a computer program or        a casino representative. Communication may be edited or        prevented if there is inappropriate or threatening language        and/or if communication somehow provides either the primary        player or secondary player with an unfair advantage.        -   1.8.1. The secondary player sends help to the primary            player. For example, “you should hit here”. In some            embodiments, the secondary player may send help to the            primary player. The secondary player may help the primary            player with strategy in a game such as blackjack, video            poker, or live poker. In video poker, the secondary player            may suggest which cards the primary player should discard.            In blackjack, the secondary player may suggest whether to            hit, stand, double down, split, etc. In a live game of            poker, the secondary player may advise the primary player            whether to check, bet, raise, fold, or call. The secondary            player may also suggest an amount of a bet or raise. The            secondary player may provide other suggestions or opinions,            such as suggesting that another player is probably bluffing.            The secondary player may provide additional information,            such as the probabilities of various events occurring given            a particular strategy. For example, the secondary player may            indicate that the primary player would have roughly 2 to 1            odds against making a flush should he continue in a game of            poker.        -   1.8.2. The secondary player takes over the game. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may take the place of a            primary player in making decisions in a game. For example,            the secondary player may transmit signals that cause game            decisions to be made without additional input by the primary            player. For example, the primary player may press a button            on a gaming device labeled “defer to secondary player”. The            secondary player may then select, e.g., cards to discard            from a remote terminal. The remote terminal may, in turn,            transmit to the gaming device indications of which cards the            secondary player has chosen to discard. The chosen cards may            then be removed from the primary player's hand and replaced            with new cards. The primary player may win or lose, and may            receive payments based on the decisions made by the            secondary player.        -   1.8.3. Sending a tip to the primary player. In various            embodiments, the secondary player may send a tip, other            consideration, or other token of gratitude to the primary            player. For example, if the primary player has just won a            large payment, thereby causing the secondary player also to            win a large payment, the secondary player may be grateful            and wish to tip the primary player. The secondary player may            provide an indication that he wishes to tip the primary            player, e.g., by pressing a button on a remote terminal. The            casino server may then deduct the amount of the tip from an            account associated with the secondary player, and add such            amount to an account associated with the primary player. The            casino server may also cause the amount of the tip to be            paid out at the primary player's gaming device or table,            e.g., in the form of a coin or cashless gaming receipt. In            some embodiments, the primary player may pay to have            something delivered to the primary player. For example, the            secondary player may pay for a bottle of wine. A casino            representative, such as a waitress, may then deliver the            bottle of wine to the primary player at the location of the            primary player.    -   1.9. Betting interfaces. A secondary player may participate in        the game of a primary player using various interfaces. The        interfaces may allow the secondary player to select a game in        which to participate, including selecting various aspects of a        game, such as the machine on which the game is played, the        primary player playing the game, the time, and so on. The        interface may allow the secondary player to select a bet type.        For example, the secondary player can bet for a primary player        to win, or for a primary player to lose. The interface may allow        the secondary player to select a bet amount. The interface may        allow the secondary player to insert cash or other        consideration, to identify himself (e.g., for the purposes of        receiving comp points), and to cash out winnings or remaining        balances.        -   1.9.1. Internet. A secondary player may participate using a            network, such as the internet or a casino intranet. The            secondary player may employ a computer, such as a personal            computer, for this purpose. The secondary player may view a            selection of games to participate in, progress of a current            game, credit balances, etc., using a computer monitor. The            secondary player may input decisions using a mouse, computer            keyboard, or any other computer input device. For example,            the secondary player may key in a bet amount using a numeric            keypad on a computer keyboard. The secondary player may also            use a device such as a phone, a cell phone, personal digital            assistant, or Blackberry™. The contents of the following            U.S. patent applications, listed with serial numbers,            titles, and matter numbers in parenthesis, are incorporated            by reference herein for all purposes: (a) Ser. No.            10/835,995 System and Method for Convenience Gaming            (075234.0121); (b) Ser. No. 11/063,311 System and Method for            Convenience Gaming ( 075234.0136); (c) Ser. No. 11/199,835            System and Method for Wireless Gaming System with User            Profiles (075234.0173); (d) Ser. No. 11/199,831 System for            Wireless Gaming System with Alerts (075234.0174); (e) Ser.            No. 11/201,812 System and Method for Wireless Gaming with            Location Determination (075234.0176); (f) Ser. No.            11/199,964 System and Method for Providing Wireless Gaming            as a Service Application (075234.0177); (g) Ser. No.            11/256,568 System and Method for Wireless Lottery            (075234.0178); (h) Ser. No. 11/210,482 System and Method for            Peer-to-Peer Wireless Gaming (075234.0179); (i) 60/697,861            Enhanced Wireless Gaming System (075234.0183). The device            used by the secondary player for participating in games may            communicate with a casino server via the network, as is            commonly known in the art. Messages may be exchanged back            and forth between a device used by the secondary player and            the casino, the messages taking the form of streams of bits            represented by electronic pulses, optical pulses, or any            other practical representation.        -   1.9.2. Felt table with live dealer. In various embodiments a            secondary player may participate in a game by sitting at a            table and interacting with a casino representative. The            table at which the secondary player sits may be different            from the table the primary player sits at. Thus the game            activities of the primary player may occur elsewhere from            the location of the secondary player. However, the secondary            player may store cash or chips at his table, and may            indicate bets by placing chips at certain parts of the            table. From this table, the secondary player may watch the            action in the game of the primary player, e.g., using closed            circuit television. Based on the outcome of the game played            by the primary player, the secondary player may receive            payments at his table. Thus, for example, the casino            representative at the table of the secondary player may            collect bets from the secondary player, and may pay winnings            to the secondary player if the outcome of the game of the            primary player is winning for the primary player. The table            of the secondary player may appear similar to that of the            primary player. For example, the table may have the same            shape and surface markings. The secondary player may even            sit at the same position with respect to his table as the            primary player sits with respect to the primary player's            table. The secondary player may enjoy a similar experience            to that of the primary player, only, perhaps, without the            cards, dice, or other game apparatus used at the table of            the primary player. In various embodiments, the table of the            secondary player may serve as a means for the secondary            player to make bets, receive winnings, and possibly to view            the game of the primary player.            -   In some embodiments, the secondary player uses the same                table or gaming device as does the primary player. For                example, the secondary player may place a bet beside the                hand of the primary player. The secondary player may                then receive payments based on the outcome of the game                of the primary player.        -   1.9.3. Machine at the casino. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may participate in a game using a machine            or terminal configured to allow participation in a separate            game. The terminal may include a coin slot, bill validator,            credit card reader, and/or other means for accepting            consideration. The terminal may include buttons, keys,            roller balls, and/or other input devices that may be used by            the secondary player for selecting a game in which to            participate, for selecting bet amounts, for selecting bet            types, and so on. The terminal may be in communication with            the device that conducts the actual game. For example, the            terminal of the secondary player may be in communication            with a gaming device at which the primary player is playing.            The terminal may thus receive from the device of the primary            player an indication of games played by the primary player,            amounts bet, outcomes received, and other pertinent            information. The terminal of the secondary player may be in            direct communication with the device of the primary player,            or may be in communication with the casino server which, in            turn, communicates with the device of the primary player.            The terminal of the secondary player may also be in            communication with sensors, detectors, and/or other            monitoring devices at a game played by the primary player,            such as at a blackjack game. For example, the terminal of            the secondary player may receive feeds from cameras located            at a blackjack game being played by the primary player. In            various embodiments, a dealer or other casino representative            may report information about a game of the primary player.            For example, a dealer may input into keypad connected to the            casino server that a primary player has been dealt an ace            and a ten in a game of blackjack. Such information may            subsequently be received at the terminal of the secondary            player, and may be used in determining a payment for the            secondary player. The terminal of the secondary player may            be a mobile device, e.g., a mobile device as set forth in            Nevada bill AB471.            -   In some embodiments, the terminal of the secondary                player may be constructed or configured to look like a                gaming device. Betting interfaces at the terminal may be                designed to mimic or appear similar to those at the                gaming device. Graphics shown on the housing or the                screen may also be similar. However, the terminal may                simply recreate and redisplay games and outcomes                generated by the gaming device. The terminal may not, in                various embodiments, generate games or outcomes of its                own, e.g., using its own processor or locally stored                algorithms. In various embodiments, the terminal may                comprise a kiosk.        -   1.9.4. Casino desk. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may visit a casino desk, casino cage, or other casino            venue where bets may be placed in person. The secondary            player may there select a game in which to participate. The            secondary player may place a bet. The secondary player may            receive some record of his bet. The record may be a paper            receipt, for example. The record may include the name of the            secondary player, the name of the primary player, the type            of game, the time of the game, the machine or location at            which the game was played, the amount of the bet, the terms            of the bet (e.g., what outcomes constitute winning            outcomes), and any other pertinent information. Upon            resolution of the game, the secondary player may return to            the desk and receive payment of any winnings.        -   1.9.5. How bets are entered. In various embodiments bet            amounts and bet selections may be entered using buttons,            keyboards, microphones, computer mice, joysticks, or any            other input devices. A secondary player may also place bets            and indicate bet amounts according to rules. Rules may            include instructions that may be followed by a computer            algorithm, the instructions indicating rules or conditions            specifying when and how much to bet. By betting according to            rules, the secondary player may save himself the effort of            repeatedly indicating a desire to place a bet. Rules may            include the following: (a) continue betting $1 on each new            game until the secondary player provides an indication to            stop; (b) continue betting $1 on each new game for the next            20 games; (c) bet $1 on the game following every win, and            double the prior bet following every loss; (d) continue            betting until a credit balance reaches either 0 or $100; and            so on. In some embodiments, rules may be entered explicitly            by the secondary player. In some embodiments, different sets            of rules may be predefined. A secondary player need then            only select one of the predefined sets of rules to have            betting done automatically on his behalf according to the            selected set of rules. In some embodiments, a set of rules            indicates that the prior bet should be repeated. A secondary            player may simply need to confirm each new bet before it is            made. For example, for a first game, a secondary player may            bet 5 coins on each of 7 pay lines of a slot machine game.            For a second game, the secondary player may simply press a            “repeat prior bet” button in order to once again bet 5 coins            on each of 7 pay lines. Without pressing such a button, the            process of entering the bet again might be time consuming.            Further, the primary player may have continued on with the            next game before the secondary player had time to enter the            bet a second time. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may specify a bet with reference to a prior bet. For            example, the secondary player may indicate a desire to bet            twice his prior bet, or to make the same bet he made two            games ago.            -   1.9.5.1. Layout of the betting screen and the graphical                user interface. In various embodiments a secondary                player may choose a bet type; choose a bet amount;                follow the progress of a game; follow the progress of a                primary player; view statistics related to a gaming                device, table, dealer, primary player, casino, etc.; all                using a betting interface on a display screen. The                display screen may also function as a touch screen so                that the secondary player may interact with the screen                by touching it in certain locations. A first location of                the screen may include a selection area. Shown in the                selection area may be any number of attributes                pertaining to a game. For example, a selection area may                list a number of primary players. The secondary player                may select one of the primary players to indicate that                the secondary player would like to participate in the                game of the selected primary player. The selection area                may present a selection of: (a) primary players; (b)                gaming devices; (c) times; (d) dates; (e) casinos; (f)                game types (e.g., video poker, slot, etc); (g)                dealers; (h) opponents; (i) game results (e.g., ranges                of payouts provided by the game, such as games which                paid 0-2 coins, games which paid 3-4 coins, games which                paid 5-6 coins, etc); and so on. Possible selections may                be presented as a menu, a list, a scroll bar, or any                other presentation. The secondary player may go through                various layers of selection until he has completely                specified a game in which to participate. For example,                the secondary player may first select a primary player,                then a gaming device, then a time of a game. Each set of                choices may be presented as a new menu.                -   A second location of the screen may include a                    betting area. In the betting area, the secondary                    player may indicate an amount to bet on a game. The                    secondary player may specify a number of outcomes to                    bet on, such as a number of pay lines to bet on, or                    a number of hands of video poker on which to bet.                    The secondary player may also specify an amount to                    bet on each pay line or each outcome. If different                    types of bets may be made (e.g., a main bet and an                    insurance bet in blackjack, or pass line and hard                    eight in craps), then the secondary player may                    specify which of such bets he wishes to make. A                    secondary player may specify bets to be made on the                    primary player. For example, the secondary player                    may specify a bet that the primary player will lose                    or will win, or may specify a bet that the primary                    player will win more than a certain amount.                -   A third location of the screen may include an area                    where information about a game is displayed. The                    area may allow the secondary player to follow the                    progress of the game. In this area, the secondary                    may watch as new symbols (e.g., cards in a card game                    or symbols on slot reels) arise, as new bets are                    made by the primary player and/or his opponent(s),                    as decisions are made by the primary player, as                    decisions are made by the dealer, as hidden symbols                    are revealed (e.g., as a dealer's down card is                    turned face up in the game of blackjack), as bets                    are collected (e.g., from the primary player), and                    as winnings are paid out (e.g., to the primary                    player). The third location of the screen may                    include live video, animations depicting a                    reenactment of the game, pre-recorded video of the                    game, pre-recorded video depicting a game similar to                    the game in which the secondary player is                    participating, or any other video depiction. The                    third location may include text descriptions of                    events in the game. For example, a text description                    may read, “Joe Smith has just been dealt a pair of                    kings.”                -   A fourth location of the screen may allow a                    secondary player to view statistics related to a                    gaming device, table, dealer, primary player,                    casino, etc. For example, the fourth location may                    show the number of times a primary player has won or                    lost in his last 100 games, a graph depicting the                    bankroll of the primary player over the last two                    hours, the number of times a particular gaming                    device has paid more than 20 coins in the last day,                    and so on. Statistics may be presented in any                    conceivable form, such as using tables, graphs, bar                    graphs, line graphs, pie charts, and so on.                -   A fifth location of the screen may allow a secondary                    player to communicate with the primary player, with                    a casino representative, with other secondary                    players, or with others. The fifth location may                    comprise a chat area, for example, where text                    conversations are tracked, and where different                    statements are labeled with the name of the                    originator of the statement.                -   A sixth location of the screen may allow the                    secondary player to follow his own progress. For                    example, the secondary player may see his account                    balance and statistics about his own wins or losses.                -   A seventh location of the screen may allow the                    secondary player to cash out a portion of his                    winnings and/or account balances.                -   An eighth location of the screen may allow the                    secondary player to summon a casino representative,                    e.g., to order food.                -   As will be appreciated, the locations described                    above may be overlapping. All locations need not                    have the same function at once, but may alternate.                    For example, at a first point in time, the screen                    may be occupied completely with video footage of a                    game. When the game finishes, the video footage may                    be replaced with statistics about the player. It                    will be further appreciated that there may be                    additional locations on the screen.        -   1.9.6. In order to participate in the games of a primary            player, a secondary player may provide identifying            information about himself. Identifying information may            include a name, age, state of residence, nationality,            driver's license number, social security number, and/or any            other identifying information. The casino may use such            identifying information in order to verify that the            secondary player is authorized to place bets and/or to            participate in games as a secondary player. For example, the            casino may use identifying information to verify that a            secondary player is over 21 years of age. The casino may            only permit the secondary player to participate in games of            the primary player if the secondary player is over 21 years            of age.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be                identified automatically by the casino. For example, the                secondary player may seek to participate in a game while                situated at a remote terminal or device. The remote                terminal or device may be configured to check the                identity of the secondary player prior to communicating                with the casino. The terminal or device may only                communicate with the casino, in some embodiments, if the                secondary player is a particular player. Thus, the                casino may automatically identify a secondary player by                virtue of the terminal or device at which the secondary                player is situated. If a terminal or device is                configured only to communicate with the casino when a                particular secondary player has identified himself to                the terminal or device, then the casino can be assured                that a particular secondary player is desirous of                participating in games. The particular secondary player                may be, for example, a particular secondary player that                is authorized to participate in games. In some                embodiments, a remote device or terminal may constitute                a mobile device (e.g., a mobile device as set forth in                Nevada bill AB471). The mobile device may be programmed                to be used only by a particular secondary player.                Therefore, if the secondary player is authorized to make                bets, and the mobile device is configured to communicate                with the casino only when the particular secondary                player is using it, then the casino may assume that it                is an authorized secondary player that is placing bets                through the mobile device.    -   1.10. The secondary player bets on outcomes on which the primary        player did not. In various embodiments, a secondary player may        place bets on results or outcomes that were not bet on by the        primary player. As will be appreciated, for a given game, there        can be many possible outcomes, and many types of bets placed on        the various outcomes. For example, in craps, many different bets        can be placed in the same game, among them pass and don't pass.        -   1.10.1. The secondary player bets on a pay-line that the            primary player did not. In various embodiments, the            secondary player may bet on a pay-line of a slot machine            that was not bet on by the primary player. For example, a            slot machine may include three pay-lines, e.g., lines 1, 2,            and 3. The primary player may bet on pay-line 1. The            secondary player may bet on pay-line 2 and/or pay-line 3.            The secondary player may, in various embodiments, bet on            pay-line 1 as well. In some embodiments, the secondary            player is only allowed to bet on pay-lines that the primary            player has not already bet on. Such embodiments may help            prevent a secondary player from determining a game in which            the primary player has achieved a winning pay-line, and then            betting on the same pay-line. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may bet on pay-lines that were not            available to the primary player when he played. For example,            the secondary player may bet on a custom pay-line consisting            of the top two symbols on a first reel, and the bottom            symbol on a second reel of a slot machine. In some            embodiments, the secondary player may bet on a pay-line that            was not even visible to the primary player during his play            of the game. For example, a slot machine may only show one            symbol on each reel in a viewing window. The symbol on each            reel that is one position above the viewing window may not            be visible. Nevertheless, the secondary player may have the            opportunity to bet on a pay-line comprising the row of            symbols one position above the viewing window. Similarly,            the secondary player may bet on a pay-line comprising the            row of symbols one position below the viewing window. In            various embodiments, any other pay-line or outcome may be            constructed using visible and non-visible symbols. For            example, a pay-line may be constructed using some symbols            that were visible, and some symbols that were not visible to            the primary player.        -   1.10.2. In various embodiments, the secondary player may            place bets on symbols that were never even shown to the            primary player. Such symbols may have occurred, for example,            well above the viewing window. In some embodiments, such            symbols may be shown to the secondary player.        -   1.10.3. Play a card game with unused cards. For example, in            video poker, only the top 10 cards may be used during a            game. The secondary player could play another game using            cards from the bottom of the deck. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may play a game using cards, symbols, or            other indicia that were not revealed to the primary player.            For example, a primary player may participate in a game of            video poker. The primary player may use the top nine cards            from a shuffled deck during the game (e.g., the primary            player receives an initial deal of five cards, and            subsequently draws four additional cards). However, in a            standard 52-card deck, 43 cards would remain in the deck.            The secondary player may play a new game using the 43            remaining cards. The secondary player may thus engage in a            game for which no person yet knows the outcome. This may            help to avoid situations where a secondary player can choose            to participate in a game where he knows the outcome will be            favorable to him. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may participate in a new game using cards remaining after a            game of blackjack, after a game of poker, after a game of            casino war, or after any other game. In various embodiments,            the secondary player may make his own decisions in the game,            e.g., rather than relying upon decisions of the primary            player. In various embodiments, a secondary player may use            cards remaining in a deck for a game other than the game for            which the deck was first used. For example, after a deck is            used for a video poker game of the primary player, the            secondary player may use the remaining cards in the deck for            a game of blackjack.        -   1.10.4. The secondary player bets on some function of the            data from a game. In some embodiments, a secondary player            may bet on some function or transformation of the outcomes,            results, or other data used in a game played by a primary            player. As used herein, the term “function” may refer to a            process or procedure for relating any acceptable input to an            output, such that there is only one output per unique input.            The output and input may be numerical or non-numerical. As            used herein, a “function of” an input may refer to the            resultant output when the function is used to relate the            input to the output. As used herein, the term            “transformation” may refer to a process or procedure for            relating any acceptable input to an output.            -   1.10.4.1. An outcome is generated using a function of a                random number used in generating an outcome in the                primary game. Suppose a random number 10232 was used to                generate an outcome in a game of a primary player. The                random number+1 could be used, such that the number                10233 is used. This could yield a completely different                outcome. Various games played at a casino utilize random                number generators. For example, a slot machine may                utilize a random number generator to choose a random                number for each reel of the slot machine. Each random                number is then used to determine the symbol that should                be revealed by the corresponding reel. In various                embodiments, a game played by a secondary player may use                a new set of random numbers generated based on some                function of the random numbers used in a game played by                the primary player. For example, the random numbers used                in the game played by the secondary player may consist                of the random numbers used in the game played by the                primary player with one added to each. Thus, {10245,                31189, 19320} may be transformed to {10246, 31190,                19321}. The new set of random numbers may be used as                inputs to an algorithm (e.g., the same algorithm used in                the game played by the primary player), to generate the                symbols or outcomes of the game played by the secondary                player. As will be appreciated, any function of the                random numbers in the primary player's game may be used                to come up with random numbers in the secondary player's                game. For example, one may be subtracted from each                random number, the order of the random numbers may be                changed (e.g., so each random number now corresponds to                different one of the reels), each random number may be                multiplied by a factor, and so on.                -   In various embodiments, seed numbers may be used in                    the generation of random numbers. Thus, in some                    embodiments, a seed number used in a game played by                    a primary player may be transformed according to                    some function (e.g., one may be added) in order to                    generate a seed to be used in the game played by the                    secondary player.                -   In various embodiments, a game played by a primary                    player may result in a first outcome with a first                    associated payout. The game may be disguised by                    changing the first outcome to a second outcome with                    the same payout. Thus, the primary player may view                    the first outcome while he plays the game, but the                    secondary player may view the second outcome when he                    participates in the game. Monetarily, the primary                    player and the secondary player may have had the                    same experiences. In other words, given identical                    bets, both the primary player and the secondary                    player will have had the same payouts, in various                    embodiments. However, the primary player and the                    secondary player will have seen different                    representations of the game. For example, suppose a                    slot machine game includes several possible                    outcomes. Among the possible outcomes are                    “bar-bar-bar” with an associated payout of 10 coins,                    and “cherry-cherry-cherry”, also with an associated                    payout of 10 coins. The primary player may play the                    game and achieve the outcome “bar-bar-bar”. The                    secondary player may also participate in the game.                    When the game is presented to the secondary player,                    the secondary player may be shown an outcome of                    “cherry-cherry-cherry”.                -   Thus, in various embodiments, a first outcome of a                    game may be generated for a primary player. The                    casino may determine what other outcomes have the                    same payout as the first outcome. From among the                    other outcomes, the casino may select one to present                    to a secondary player who has participated in the                    game.                -   In various embodiments the outcome presented to a                    secondary player may differ both in terms of the                    constituent symbols and in terms of the payout from                    the outcome that was seen by the primary player.                    However, over the course of two or more games, a                    secondary player may be presented with outcomes                    whose associated payouts sum to the same total as do                    the payouts associated with the outcomes presented                    to the primary player over the course of the same                    two or more games. For example, both a primary                    player and a secondary player may participate in the                    same two games. In the first game, the primary                    player may be presented with outcome A and receive                    an associated payout of 4 coins. For the first game,                    the secondary player may be presented with outcome C                    and receive an associated payout of 3 coins. In the                    second game, the primary player may be presented                    with outcome B and receive an associated payout of 6                    coins. For the second game, the secondary player may                    be presented with outcome D and receive an                    associated payout of 7 coins. Thus, neither the                    primary and secondary players have been presented                    with different outcomes over the course of the two                    games. However, after two games, both have received                    the same total payouts, each having received 10                    coins in total.                -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may view                    what is essentially the same game that the primary                    player is playing. However, the game may be                    disguised by replacing symbols from the presentation                    to the primary player with new symbols for                    presentation to the secondary player. For example, a                    “cherry” when viewed by the primary player becomes a                    “dog” when viewed by the secondary player. In terms                    of underlying logic, however, the games may remain                    the same. For example, “cherry” may always map to                    “dog”, and likewise there may be a consistent                    function which maps the symbols shown to the primary                    player to the symbols shown to the secondary player.                    The pay tables on display for the primary and                    secondary players may exhibit a similar functional                    relationship. For example, suppose the primary                    player's pay table includes a line showing a payout                    of 15 for “cherry-cherry-cherry”. A corresponding                    line on the pay table for the secondary player may                    include a line showing a payout of 15 for                    “dog-dog-dog”. In various embodiments, other                    graphics may be altered. For example, a background                    coloration of the game viewed by the primary player                    may be blue, whereas the background coloration of                    the same game viewed by the secondary player may be                    green.                -   In various embodiments, a second game presented to                    the secondary player may be a different type of game                    from that presented to the primary player. However,                    an outcome may be chosen for presentation to the                    secondary player that has the same payout as an                    outcome that occurred in a game played by the                    primary player. For example, a primary player may be                    involved in a game of Casino War. The secondary                    player may view the outcomes of the games of the                    primary player, but disguised as the game of craps.                    For example, if the primary player wins a game of                    Casino War (e.g., by being dealt a card with a                    higher rank than the card dealt to the dealer), then                    the secondary player may be shown an animated                    sequence of dice rolling a seven during the first                    roll of the game (i.e., a winning outcome in craps).                    If, however, the primary player loses the game of                    Casino War, then the secondary player may be shown                    an animated sequence of dice rolling a two on the                    first roll of the game (i.e., a losing outcome in                    craps).                -   The various methods of disguising a game described                    herein may provide an advantage, in certain                    embodiments, of making it difficult for the                    secondary player to determine details about the                    original game in which he is participating. For                    example, this may make it difficult for the                    secondary player to vary his bets based on advanced                    knowledge about the outcome of the original game.            -   1.10.4.2. The same random number may be used, but a                different reel configuration. In various embodiments, a                gaming device may store an internal table or function                which maps random numbers to symbols or outcomes. For                example, the random number 1293 may map to the symbol of                “cherry” on reel 1 of a slot machine. In various                embodiments, a game played by a secondary player may                utilize the same random numbers used in a game played by                a primary player. However, the game of the secondary                player may include a different table or matching                function between random numbers and symbols. Thus, for                example, in the game played by the secondary player, the                number 1293 may map to the symbol “bell” instead of                “cherry”. Accordingly, using the same random numbers,                the game of the secondary player may arrive at different                symbols or outcomes than those that occurred in the game                of the primary player.                -   In various embodiments, a gaming device may store an                    internal table or function which maps random numbers                    to reel positions. For example, the random number                    2451 may instruct a gaming device to stop reel 1                    with position 12 visible in the viewing window of                    the gaming device. Each position on a reel may                    feature a symbol. For example, a reel may have ten                    positions, each position corresponding roughly to 36                    degrees of arc of the circular reel. Thus, by                    instructing a gaming device to stop a reel at a                    certain position, a random number will also instruct                    the reel to display the symbol featured at the                    certain position. In various embodiments, the game                    played by the secondary player may utilize the same                    random numbers utilized by the game played by the                    primary player. However, the positions and/or                    ordering of one or more symbols may be changed.                    Thus, the same reel position in the game of the                    secondary player may corresponding to a different                    symbol than it did in the game of the primary                    player. Thus, using the same set of random numbers,                    the game of the secondary player may nevertheless                    result in different symbols or outcomes than does                    the game of the primary player.            -   1.10.4.3. What if all cherries were transformed into                bars? A secondary player may bet on real outcomes, but                with one aspect altered into another. In some                embodiments, one or more symbols obtained in a game                played by a primary player may be mapped to other                symbols in a game played by a secondary player. For                example, any “cherry” symbol in a game of a primary                player may be transformed into a “bar” symbol in a game                of a secondary player. Thus, if the primary player                receives the outcome of “cherry-bell-cherry”, the                secondary player will receive the outcome of                “bar-bell-bar”. The pay table, between the two games,                may remain the same. In embodiments where the pay table                remains the same, it is possible for a winning outcome                to be mapped to a losing outcome, and for a losing                outcome to be mapped to a winning outcome. In some                embodiments, a first card in one game is transformed                into a second card in another game. For example, the two                of hearts becomes the king of diamonds. In some                embodiments, an entire outcome in a game of the primary                player may be mapped to a different outcome in a game of                the secondary player. For example, the outcome of                “bell-lemon-plum” may map to “cherry-cherry-cherry”. In                various embodiments, when one symbol in a game played by                a primary player is mapped to another symbol in a game                presented to a secondary player, the same mapping may                also occur in the pay table. For example, suppose the                symbol “lemon” in a game played by the primary player is                mapped to the symbol “tree” in a game presented to the                secondary player. If there is a line in the pay table of                the primary player indicating a payout of 100 associated                with the outcome “lemon-lemon-lemon”, then there may be                a corresponding line in the pay table of the secondary                player indicating a payout of 100 associated with the                outcome “tree-tree-tree”.            -   1.10.4.4. A secondary player may bet on original deals                of cards, but with 7s now wild. In some embodiments,                symbols in a game played by the primary player can take                new meaning in the game of the secondary player. For                example, in a game of cards, any seven dealt in the game                of the primary player may count as a wild card in the                game of the secondary player. Thus, for example, the                primary player may receive a final poker hand of Qs Qh                Jd 3h 7s. The primary player may then be paid based on                having a hand with a pair, jacks or better. The                secondary player may be paid based on having a hand with                three of a kind, since the 7s, as a wild card, may count                as a queen.            -   1.10.4.5. A secondary player may bet on a blackjack hand                occurring with poker, or vice versa. In various                embodiments, the secondary player may use the same                symbols or outcomes obtained by the primary player, but                to play a different game. For example, the primary                player may be engaged in a game of blackjack. The                secondary player may use the cards received by the                primary player to form a poker hand. Thus, if the                primary player receives the 2s 7s 3s As and 6s, yielding                19 points in the game of blackjack, the secondary player                may receive a flush (all spades) in a game of poker.            -   1.10.4.6. A secondary player may bet on shifted data.                For instance, an outcome consists of the last two reels                from one slot pull, and then the first reel of the next                slot pull. Or a hand of poker consists of the last three                cards from one hand and the first two cards from the                next hand. In various embodiments, data, symbols, or                outcomes from two or more games of a primary player may                be combined to create a single game for the primary                player. For example, three cards used in a first game of                the primary player, and two cards used in a second game                of the primary player may be combined to form a single                hand of cards for a single game of the secondary player.                Data used in consecutive games of the primary player may                be treated as a stream of data frames, each frame                including all the data from one game. For example, each                frame may include the three symbols appearing on the                pay-line of a slot machine. A new stream of data frames                may be created by shifting the frame limits over (e.g.,                left or right) by some number of data points, e.g., by                some number of symbols. Thus, for example, each frame in                the new stream of data frames may include symbols from                reels two and three followed by a symbol from reel one.                In other words, new games have been created by using the                last two symbols in a first game of the primary player                and the first symbol in a second game of the primary                player. Thus, by shifting data frames used in a sequence                of games of a primary player, a new sequence of games                may be generated for a secondary player.            -   1.10.4.7. A secondary player may bet on the same                outcome, but with a different pay structure. For                example, a secondary player may lose on a royal flush.                In some embodiments, a secondary player may receive the                same outcomes as does a primary player. However, the pay                table that applies to the secondary player may differ                from that which applies to the primary player. For                example, in a game of video poker, the primary player                may win 5 coins with a flush, but the secondary player                may only win 2 coins.        -   1.11. A secondary player may bet on an aggregate outcome of            a primary player. For example, a secondary player may bet            that a primary player will be ahead or behind after an hour.            In some embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet that            depends on multiple games or outcomes of a primary player.            For example, the secondary player may bet that the primary            player will win the next three games in a row, or that the            primary player will win the next game but lose the following            game. The secondary player may bet that the winnings or            losses of the primary player will satisfy one or more            conditions after a designated period of time. The secondary            player may bet that the winnings of the primary player will            total more than a given amount in the next hour. The            secondary player may bet that the losses of the primary            player will exceed more than $1000 in the next 6 hours. The            secondary player may bet that primary player will either            lose more than $100 or will win more than $200 in the next            15 minutes. Winnings and losses may be net of each other            (e.g., a $20 win and $10 loss may net to a $10 win) or may            count separately (e.g., a winnings total is the sum of all            amounts won regardless of bets lost). The secondary player            may bet on any statistic pertaining to outcomes received by            the primary player. For example, the secondary player may            bet that the primary player will receive more than 10            payouts of more than 20 coins each in the next 25 minutes.            The secondary player may bet that the primary player will            achieve 4 full-houses in the next 50 games. In various            embodiments, the secondary player may track the net winnings            or net losses of the primary player. Thus, for example, if            the primary player has lost $200 after an hour, the            secondary player will also have lost $200. If the primary            player has won $734, the secondary player will also have won            $734.        -   1.11.1. A secondary player may take the upside of a primary            player, but not his downside. In some embodiments, the            secondary player may make a payment or place a bet that            entitles the secondary player to an amount equal to the            primary player's winnings, if any, over a period of time,            but does not obligate the secondary player for anything if            the primary player has net losses. For example, if the            primary player achieves winnings over the next hour of $50,            the secondary player may also receive $50. However, if the            primary player loses in the next hour, the secondary player            does not owe anything beyond his initial bet or payment. In            various embodiments, the secondary player may receive, or            owe monies based on more complicated functions of the            primary player's winnings and losses. For example, the            secondary player may receive three times the primary            player's winnings (if there are any) for the next hour, but            may owe 1.5 times the primary player's losses if the there            are losses.        -   1.11.2. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet that            a primary player will receive five payouts of over 20 coins.    -   1.12. A secondary player may bet the difference between what a        primary player bet and what the primary player could have bet. A        secondary player may complete a partial bet and thereby win only        the extra payouts that resulted from the extra amount bet. In        some embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet that a        primary player could have made but did not. This includes        completing a bet that the primary player made. The secondary        player may, in this fashion, win any payments that a primary        player would have won, beyond those the primary player actually        did win, had the primary player made the bet.        -   1.12.1. For example, many machines require three coins bet            to win the jackpot. If a primary player bets only two coins,            then a secondary player may bet the 3^(rd) and then win the            difference of what someone would win with three coins versus            two coins bet. Various gaming devices include pay tables            that are based on the number of coins bet. For example, if a            player bets one coin and receives the outcome            “bell-bell-bell”, then the player wins 100 coins. If,            however, the player bets two coins and receives the same            outcome, then the player wins 200 coins. Many gaming devices            provide better payout odds for each incremental coin bet.            Thus, in the prior example, if the player bets three coins            and receives the outcome “bell-bell-bell”, then the player            wins 400 coins. Thus, the incremental payout odds for the            third coin bet are better than those for the second coin            bet, at least with respect to “bell-bell-bell”. Accordingly,            for example, if a primary player bets only two coins in a            game, a secondary player may take advantage of the better            incremental payout odds offered for the third coin bet by            betting the third coin himself. If the outcome of            “bell-bell-bell” occurs, the secondary player may thus            receive the difference between the payout for three coins            bet and the payout for two coins bet, i.e., the difference            between 400 coins and 200 coins, equal to 200 coins.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may add to or                complete a bet on a game made by a primary player so                that the total bet of both the primary and secondary                player would result in a higher set of payouts. The                secondary player may receive any extra payouts                associated with his bet. Thus, if the payout associated                with the primary player's bet alone is X, and the payout                associated with the primary player's bet plus the                secondary player's bet is Y, then the primary player may                receive X, and the secondary player may receive Y-X.        -   1.12.2. In craps, placing bets behind the bets of other            people. In various embodiments, a primary player in a game            of craps is given additional opportunities to bet during the            course of a game. For example, when the primary player            establishes a point for a pass line bet, he has the            opportunity to place bets behind his pass line bet, called            “odds bets”. The odds bets often have no house edge, and            therefore are typically more advantageous to a player than            almost any other bet in a casino. However, a player at a            craps table often does not make an odds bet, or does not            make the full amount of an odds bet that he is allowed. In            various embodiments, a secondary player is allowed to make            an odds bet that a primary player could have made. The            secondary player may then be paid for the odds bet if the            odds bet wins. Accordingly, the secondary player may enjoy            the opportunity to make a bet at true odds, without the            requirement of first making a disadvantageous pass line bet.        -   1.12.3.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may make odds bets or maymake partial bets such as betting the third coin at a slot machine, evenif the primary player has already made such bets. The secondary playermay nevertheless receive the incremental payouts associated with suchbets. For example, the secondary player may bet a single coin whichcounts as the third coin bet at a slot machine. The secondary player maythus be eligible to win the difference in payouts between the payout forthree coins bet and the payout for two coins bet.

-   -   1.13. Primary players might see who or how many people are        betting on them. In various embodiments, a primary player may be        made aware of a secondary player who is participating in the        game of the primary player, or who subsequently participates in        the game of the primary player. The primary player may receive a        name, an image, and description of various attributes (e.g.,        age, occupation, area of residence, etc.) of the secondary        player. The primary player may also receive an indication of the        performance of the secondary player while participating in the        games of the primary player. For example, the primary player may        see how much the secondary has won or lost, what types of bets        he has made, how many games he has participated in, for how long        he has been participating in the games of the primary player,        and so on. The primary player may derive a measure of        satisfaction or gratification from the participation of        secondary players. For example, a primary player may feel proud        that a large number of secondary players have participated in        his games. He may feel proud to have won money for them. In        various embodiments, the primary player may have the opportunity        to communicate with a secondary player. For example, the casino        server may provide the primary player with contact information        for a secondary player.        -   In various embodiments, a primary player may be compensated            based on participation by secondary players in the games of            the primary players. The primary player may be compensated            per secondary player and per game. For example, the primary            player may receive 0.5 cents per secondary player per game.            Thus, if three secondary players each participate in two            games of the primary player, the primary player may receive            0.5 cents×3 secondary players×2 games=3 cents. Thus, the            primary player benefits by having more secondary players and            by increasing the number of games in which each secondary            player participates. The primary player may be compensated            with a percentage of the bets made by secondary players            participating in his games. The primary player may be            compensated with some percentage of expected winnings to be            derived from the bets of secondary players participating in            the games of the primary player.        -   A primary player may thus be encouraged to convey some value            to secondary player so as to attract secondary players to            participating in his games. The primary player may convey            value by employing good strategy, for example. The primary            player may also attempt to provide entertainment, e.g., by            telling jokes or by making commentary about his games.        -   In various embodiments, the games of a primary player,            and/or data from the games of a primary player may be made            available for participation and/or for viewing by interested            secondary players. Data from the games of a primary player            may be made available on an ongoing, continuous, and/or            real-time basis. Secondary players may, at their leisure or            pleasure, view or participate in the games. As such, data            from the games of the primary player may be broadcast or            transmitted in an analogous fashion to programs on a            television or radio show, or analogously to periodically            updated Web pages. Secondary players may tune in or out as            desired. Each primary player may constitute a “channel” or            “station”. A secondary player may, for example, view a list            of primary players just as he would a list of television            stations. The secondary player may then decide which primary            player or “station” he wants to participate with. When            selecting a primary player, the secondary player may also            have the opportunity to review data about historical games            played by the primary player. For example, the secondary            player may be able to review the primary player's wins and            losses over the prior 20 games.        -   In various embodiments, a casino may select from a subset of            available primary players to choose primary players for            whose games data will be made available to secondary            players. In some embodiments, a casino may serve as a “disc            jockey” by choosing which primary players will have their            data made available to others. The disc jockeys may be            humans (e.g., casino employees), or may be computer            algorithms which automatically select certain primary            players based, for example, upon a defined set of rules. The            disc jockey or jockeys may select primary players based on            any number of factors. A primary player may be selected            based on: (a) recent results (e.g., recent wins or high            payouts); (b) based on long term results (e.g., long term            profits); (c) based on skill at playing a game (e.g., based            on his use of basic strategy in blackjack); (d) based on his            celebrity status (e.g., based on whether his name has been            published in any newspaper in the past year); (e) based on a            history of being favored by secondary players; and so on. At            any given time, a disc jockey may decide to stop making data            available from certain primary players, and/or to commence            making data available from other primary players. For            example, a disc jockey may decide that a primary player has            hit a string of losses and therefore would not be of            interest to any secondary player. The disc jockey may            accordingly stop making data from the primary player            available. For example, a disc jockey may decide that a            given primary player has just won a large payout and            therefore would be of interest to secondary players.            Accordingly, the disc jockey may commence making data from            the primary player available.        -   In various embodiments, the data about the games of a            primary player may be made available across one or more            casinos. A first casino may broadcast or transmit data from            the games of one or more primary players to a second casino.            The broadcast may occur via the radio or television            spectrums, via mobile wireless frequencies, via microwave            frequencies, via metal or optical cables, or via any other            means. Secondary players in one or more of the casinos may            view the data (e.g., may view games that are reconstructed            based on the data). The data may be made available on the            Internet, on one or more radio stations, on television, on            interactive television, and so on. For example, a secondary            player may visit a web page on which are listed names or            identifiers for one or more primary players. The secondary            player may click on an identifier in order to view data            about games of the corresponding primary player. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may set the channel on his            television to a particular channel whereby identifiers for            various primary players are listed on a menu. The secondary            player may select an identifier from the menu (e.g., using a            remote control) and may thereby call up on the television            screen further data pertaining to the games of the primary            player.    -   In various embodiments, data about the game of a primary player        may originate in a first casino. For example, the primary player        may play the game in the first casino. Data about the game may        be transmitted to a second casino. From the second casino (e.g.,        from a terminal located in the second casino), a secondary        player may participate in the game. The second casino may        thereby derive revenue from the secondary player by using data        originating from the first casino. In various embodiments, the        first casino and the second casino may split revenue, win,        profits, theoretical win, or any other financial gain that has        been derived from the use of the data at the secondary casino.        For example, 50% of the theoretical win from a bet by the        secondary player (i.e., the casino advantage on the bet        multiplied by the amount bet by the secondary player) may be        given to the first casino by the second casino. The financial        gain may be split with one percentage going to the first casino        and another percentage going to the second casino. In some        embodiments, the second casino pays a flat fee to the first        casino for the use of the data. The flat fee may cover all        possible uses of the data (i.e., uses of the data in as many        games as the second casino desires) or may cover a single use of        the data (i.e., in one game). In some embodiments, the second        casino keeps a fixed financial gain from the use of the data and        pays any remaining financial gain to the first casino. For        example, the second casino may keep 2 cents of theoretical win        per game in which the data is used, and give the remaining        portion of the theoretical win to the first casino. As will be        appreciate, financial gain may be split between the first and        second casinos in many other ways.    -   1.14. A secondary player watches games in progress. The        secondary player may have various ways of watching or following        the game or games in which he is participating. Following a game        may include receiving information about the outcome or result of        the game, receiving information about symbols or indicia that        have arisen in the game (e.g., cards that have been dealt),        receiving information about outcomes or results received by a        dealer or opposing players, receiving information about        decisions that are available or have been made in a game (e.g.,        decisions by a primary player to hit or stand), receiving        information about player mannerisms in a game (e.g., facial        expressions of a primary player or his opponents), information        about amounts bet on a game (e.g., amounts bet by the primary        player or the secondary player), information about amounts won        on a game (e.g., amounts won by the primary player or the        secondary player); and so on.        -   1.14.1. A split screen allows the secondary player to see            all the roulette wheels in the casino at once. In various            embodiments, the secondary player may follow the progress of            one or more games in which he participates using one or more            display screens. Display screens may include cathode ray            tubes, flat panel displays, plasma displays, liquid crystal            displays, diode displays, light-emitting diode displays,            organic light-emitting diode displays, projection displays,            rear projection displays, front projection displays, digital            light processing (DLP) displays, surface-conduction            electron-emitter (SED) displays, electronic ink displays            (e.g., E-Ink Corp's display technology), holographic            displays, and so on. A secondary player may follow the            progress of a game using a device such as a Blackberry®,            iPod®, personal digital assistant, mobile phone, laptop            computer, camera, personal computer, television, electronic            book (eBook) and so on. A single screen may contain            information about a single game in which the secondary            player participates. A single screen may also contain            information about multiple games in which the secondary            player participates. The display screen may display            information about one game on one part of the screen, and            about another game on another part of the screen. For            example, the screen may be divided into four quadrants, each            quadrant showing information about a different game that the            secondary player is participating in. A secondary player            participating in two games may view a first of the two games            on one display screen, and a second of the two games on            another display screen. A secondary player may thus watch or            follow the progress of games using multiple displays            screens.        -   1.14.2. Views come from overhead cameras. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may follow the progress of a            game in which he participates using video and/or audio feeds            from the proximity of the game. For example, a camera may            capture the progress of a blackjack game played by a primary            player. By watching a video feed, the secondary player may            see the cards dealt in the game, the decisions made by the            primary player, the decisions made by the dealer, and the            result of the game (e.g., win for the primary player, win            for the dealer, blackjack for the primary player, tie). In            various embodiments, video or audio feeds may be live,            delayed, or may be stored and played back at a later time            for the secondary player.        -   1.14.3. Data is piped electronically from the slot machines.            In various embodiments, data may be captured from a gaming            device or live table game, encoded into electronic form, and            transmitted to a display device, speaker, or other output            device used to present the data to the secondary player. The            output devices may decode the electronic data and present it            in a sensible form for human viewing. The presentation may            include a text description of occurrences in the game. For            example, text may read, “At 9:02 pm, slot machine number            1423 achieved the outcome of bar-bar-bar. Congratulations,            you have won 20 coins.” The presentation may include a            reconstruction of the game. For example, the game may be            reconstructed using animated renditions of the game. For            example, an animated slot machine may show animated reels            spinning and stopping to show the outcome achieved by the            actual slot machine which generated the game the secondary            player participated in. In another example, an animated            dealer using animated cards may be used to reconstruct a            live table game of blackjack. In various embodiments, a            computer synthesized voice may report to the secondary            player occurrences in a game in which the secondary player            participates.        -   1.14.4. Only active machines are shown to the secondary            player. For example, the machine currently resolving into an            outcome is shown. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may participate in several games at once. The games may not            necessarily all proceed at the same pace. For example, one            game may finish while another is still in progress. In some            embodiments, games or aspects of games may be presented to            the secondary player only as important or relevant events            occur in the game. For example, when a first game finishes,            all or part of the game may be presented to the secondary            player. For example, when the first game finishes, a            depiction or an image of the final outcome (e.g., the final            cards in the primary player's hand) may be flashed onto a            display screen viewed by the secondary player. The image            pertaining to the first game may be removed when a second            game finishes. When the second game finishes, a depiction or            image of the final outcome in the second game may be flashed            onto the display screen. In this way, the secondary player            need only view aspects of a game that are most relevant,            most important, or most interesting to him. When a game is            in an uninteresting stage (e.g., when the reels of a slot            machine are spinning), the secondary player may view            information about other games. Information that may be            deemed worthy of showing to a secondary player may include:            information about a decision that is to be made in a game            (e.g., the primary player has received an initial hand of            blackjack and must now decide to hit or stand); information            about a decision that has been made in a game (e.g., the            primary player has decided to hit); information about a new            card, symbol, or other indicium obtained in a game (e.g., a            new reel of the slot machine has stopped, showing a new            symbol for the pay-line); information about a final outcome            of a game; information about entry into a bonus round or            bonus game (e.g., the primary player has just won the            opportunity to play a bonus round); information about a            symbol, card, or other indicium obtained by a dealer or by            an opponent of the primary player; information about an            amount bet (e.g., by the primary player or by the secondary            player); and information about an amount won (e.g., by the            primary player or by the secondary player).    -   1.15. The secondary player is alerted when his favorite primary        player sits down. In various embodiments, a secondary player may        prefer to participate in the games of particular primary        players, in the games of particular gaming devices, in games        played at particular gaming tables, in games played with        particular dealers, and so on. A secondary player may explicitly        record his preferences, e.g., by informing the casino. In some        embodiments, the secondary player may be assumed to have certain        preferences, based, for example, on a history of participating        in the games of a particular primary player. For example, if a        secondary player has participated in 300 games of a particular        primary player, the secondary player may be assumed to prefer or        to enjoy participating in the games of the primary player. In        some embodiments, the casino may inform a secondary player when        a game in which the secondary player may be interested in        participating is or will be in progress. For example, suppose        that the secondary player has indicated that he likes to        participate in games played by primary player Joe Smith. When        Joe Smith sits down at a gaming device and begins playing, the        casino may detect the presence of Joe Smith (e.g., by means of a        player tracking card inserted by Joe Smith) and may then alert        the secondary player that Joe Smith has begun playing. The        secondary player may then place bets on the games of Joe Smith.        The casino may alert the secondary player using any number of        communication means. A casino representative may call the        secondary player, may send a text or email message to the        secondary player, may page the secondary player, may find the        secondary player in person, and so on.        -   1.15.1. A secondary player is alerted as to the presence of            a primary player who has done well for him. A secondary            player may be alerted when a primary player commences play            if the secondary player has had favorable results in the            past when participating in the games of the primary player.            Favorable past results may mean that: the secondary player            is ahead in terms of winnings based on all prior            participation in the games of the primary player; the            secondary player was ahead in the most recent time period            during which he participated in the games of the primary            player; the secondary player won more than a predetermined            amount of money (e.g., more than $500) in a single session            while participating in the games of the primary player; the            secondary player won a jackpot or other high-paying outcome            while participating in the games of the primary player; the            secondary player was ahead in the most recent X number of            games when participating in the games of the primary player;            or any other measure of performance while participating in            the games of the primary player.        -   1.15.2. A secondary player is alerted as to the presence of            a primary player with good statistics. A secondary player            may be alerted when a primary player commences play if the            primary player has a certain historical record or certain            statistics that may be of interest to the secondary player.            The historical record may include a record of: having won            one or more jackpots or other high-paying outcomes; having            won money for other secondary players; having achieved            profitable sessions in the most recent gaming session or in            any prior gaming session; having achieved a profit during            some prior time period (e.g., during the past six months);            and so on. A secondary player may also be alerted if a            primary player that has some measure of popularity commences            play. For example, primary players may be rated, e.g., by            one or more secondary players, based on the secondary            players' degree of satisfaction with, or other feelings            towards the primary player. A primary player may, for            example, be rated highly if he has won money for many            secondary players in the past. Thus, for example, if a            highly rated primary player commences play, a secondary            player may be alerted and may be given the opportunity to            participate in the games of the primary player.        -   1.15.3. A secondary player is alerted when good machine is            taken. In various embodiments, a secondary player may be            alerted if play commences at a gaming device or table that            is or may be of interest to the secondary player. The gaming            device may be of interest due to a number of factors, among            them: the secondary player has won a jackpot or other            high-paying outcome while participating in games of the            gaming device; the secondary player has had profitable            sessions at the gaming device; the secondary player has had            recent profitable sessions at the gaming device; the            secondary player has had profitable sessions at another            gaming device similar to the gaming device (e.g., at a            gaming device of the same type or from the same            manufacturer); one or more recent games at the gaming device            have resulted in jackpots or high-paying outcomes; recent            games at the gaming device have resulted in profits for the            player or players at the gaming device; the gaming device is            highly rated (e.g., by secondary players); and so on.        -   1.16. A secondary player pays a fee to participate in games.            In various embodiments, a secondary player may be required            to pay in order to participate in the game of a primary            player. The amount paid may be based on the status, rating,            historical results, or requests of the primary player. For            example, if the primary player is a well-known celebrity,            the fees required of a secondary player may be higher than            if the primary player were a lesser-known celebrity. If the            primary player has had highly favorable historical results            (e.g., has made large profits in the past), then the fees            required of the secondary player may be higher than if the            primary player did not have such favorable historical            results. In various embodiments, the primary player may also            declare a fee required for secondary players to participate            in his games. A portion of such fee paid by a secondary            player may be paid to the primary player.        -   1.17. Rules for using old data in a game with real money on            the line. There is opportunity of misconduct since the            player and/or the casino may know the data already. The use            of historical games, outcomes, and other data related to a            game presents an opportunity for an advantage by any party            with knowledge of a data. For example, a casino might            provide secondary players with the opportunity to            participate only in games whose results the casino knows are            losing for the player (and therefore winning for the            casino). In another example, a secondary player may have            already participated in a particular game (e.g., as a            primary player) and may therefore know the outcome of the            game in advance. The secondary player may thus make a large            bet on the game if he knows the game will result in a            winning outcome for him, and will make a small bet or no bet            on the game if he knows the game will result in a losing            outcome for him.            -   1.17.1. Before the original data is generated, it may be                tagged for reuse at a particular date and time in the                future. That way, the casino may be afforded no                discretion as to whether or not to use the data. In                various embodiments, before a particular game is played                for the first time, a casino designates a time, date,                location, and/or any other situation or circumstance                under which the game will be made available for                participation by others. The situation under which the                game will be made available may be chosen randomly,                according to some algorithm, or in any other fashion.                Once the situation or circumstances for future                participation in the game have been established, the                game may commence for the first time. In this way, the                casino has established future circumstances under which                the game may be made available for participation by                others (e.g., by secondary players) before the casino is                aware of the outcome of the game. The casino cannot,                therefore, decide not to allow participation in the game                if the game turns out to result in a jackpot for the                player. In various embodiments, the establishment of                future circumstances under which a game will be                available for participation by others is binding upon                the casino. Regulators may keep track of when games must                be made available for future participation, and may                verify that the games have in fact been made available.                In various embodiments, players or other parties may not                necessarily know the circumstances under which a game                must be made available in the future. In this way,                players will not be able to selectively choose games to                participate in based on advanced knowledge of the                outcomes. In various embodiments, a record is stored,                the record including information about a game and                information about circumstances under which the game is                to be made available in the future for participation by                others.        -   1.17.2. Data may be put in a queue. When it reaches the            front of the queue, it must be used. In various embodiments,            when a game is played or generated for the first time, data            or information about the game is placed in a queue. Games            from the queue are then made available for participation by            secondary players based on a first-in-first-out model. Thus,            a game becomes available for participation based on a            relatively straightforward scheduling algorithm, and there            is little discretion on the part of the casino as to when            the game will become available for participation. In various            embodiments, other scheduling algorithms may be used. For            example, games are made available according to a            last-in-first-out scheduling algorithm. Any other scheduling            algorithm may be used, particularly if the casino has little            control over the schedule once the outcome of a game is            known.        -   1.17.3. One set of data may be used after and only after            another set of data. In various embodiments, data about a            second game may be associated with data about a first game.            The association may dictate that the data about the second            game may be used to allow participation in the second game            by a secondary player when, and only when, the data about            the first game has been used. Similarly, data about a third            game may be associated with the data about the second game,            such that the data about the third game may be used when,            and only when, the data about the second game has been used.            In this way, through a chain of association, data about            different games can be made available in sequence, allowing            the secondary player to participate in a sequence of games.            Data about different games may be associated in many ways.            For example, data about a first game and a second game can            be stored in locations with sequential addresses in a            semiconductor memory. The casino may access the locations in            the memory sequentially by address, and thereby make            available data about the first game and data about the            second game in sequence. In some embodiments, data about a            given game may be associated with an index. The index may be            a numerical index using integer numbers, for example. With            such an indexing scheme, data about a game associated with            index 235, for example, would be made available once data            about a game associated with index 234 had already been made            available. In some embodiments, the index may be a time. The            time may represent a time during which the associated data            was originally generated, or a time when the data should be            made available again, for example. For instance, when the            time associated with a particular set of data actually comes            to match the current time, the particular set of data may be            made available so that a secondary player might participate            in a game generated using the data.        -   1.17.4. The time, date, and/or the machine that generated            the data may be chosen at random. In various embodiments, a            game that is made available for participation by a secondary            player is selected at random using one or more randomly            chosen variables or parameters. For example, a time and/or            date may be chosen at random. Once a time and date have been            chosen, for example, a game played at that time and date may            be made available for participation by the secondary player.            A gaming device, player, dealer, casino, location, and type            of game may also constitute parameters that are chosen at            random. In various embodiments, several parameters must be            chosen at once in order to narrow down the universe of games            to one particular game. For example, to determine a unique            game, a time, date, and machine number may be required. In            various embodiments, the parameters may be chosen by the            secondary player, by the casino, or by third parties, such            as regulators. Parameters may, in various embodiments, be            chosen after the game has been played for the first time.        -   1.17.5. The secondary player may choose the time and/or            machine. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            choose the time, date, machine, or other parameter used to            select a game. The choice may not necessarily by random.        -   1.17.6. Regulators may choose the time and/or machine. In            various embodiments, a third party, such as a gaming            regulator, may select a game that will be made available for            participation by a secondary player. The third party may, in            particular, have no stake in the outcome of the game.            Therefore the third party may not be biased towards            selecting a game that is winning for the secondary player or            winning for the casino. The regulator or other third party            may not necessarily select the game directly. Rather the            third party may select one or more parameters (e.g., a time,            date, machine number) that may be used to select a game that            meets the selected parameters.        -   1.17.7. A player who had his player tacking card in a gaming            device when the data was originally generated may be            prevented from playing a game based on that data. In various            embodiments, the casino may verify that the secondary player            was not present for a game when it was originally played            and/or had no knowledge of the result of the game. The            casino may verify that the player was not staying at the            casino's hotel during the day or time when the game was            played. For example, the casino may check records of who had            checked into its hotel on the day of the game. The casino            may check to see whether the player made any bets at the            casino on the day of the game. For example, the casino may            check to see whether the player had a player tracking card            inserted into a gaming device, or otherwise on record, for            the day of the game. It will be understood that the casino            may verify the presence of the player not just during a            particular day, but during longer or shorter time periods as            well. For example, the casino may verify that there is no            record of a player's presence during an entire 5 day period            surrounding the day of the game. A casino may verify that a            player was not in the same city where the game was played at            the time the game was played. For example, the casino may            verify that there is no record of the player at any other            casino affiliated with the casino (e.g., under the same            ownership as the casino) during the day of the game. The            casino may use any practicable means to verify that the            player had no knowledge of the game or the outcome of the            game.        -   1.17.8. Disallowing variation of bet size. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be prevented from            varying the sizes of his bets over the course of a gaming            session. In particular, the secondary player may be            prevented from varying his bet sizes if he is participating            in games that were first played in the past. The secondary            player may thereby be prevented from varying his bet sizes            based on advanced knowledge of the outcomes of the game. For            example, the secondary player may be prevented from making            larger bets when he knows the outcome of a game will be            favorable, and a small bet when he knows the outcome of a            game will be unfavorable.        -   1.17.9. Bet limits on game. In various embodiments, limits            may be placed on the size of bets placed on games that have            already been generated or played. For example, a secondary            player may be permitted to bet no more than $1 on a game            that has been played in the past. In this way, the casino's            losses will be limited even if the secondary player has            knowledge of the outcome of the game. In some embodiments,            the total amount of bets placed on a game may be limited.            For example, bets placed by all secondary players            participating in a particular game may be limited to            totaling less than $5.        -   1.17.10. Limits on winnings. In various embodiments,            potential winnings or payouts for a game may be capped. For            example, if the payout for an outcome of “bell-bell-bell” in            an original game was 2000 coins, the potential payout for            the same game may be reduced to 500 coins when a secondary            player is participating in the game. This may limit the            potential losses to a casino for a secondary player that has            knowledge of the outcome of a game.        -   1.17.11. Disguising a game. In various embodiments, one or            more aspects of a game may be disguised before a secondary            player is allowed to participate in the game. Thus a            secondary player who had previously participated in the game            may still fail to recognize the game and to bet accordingly.            A game may be disguised in a number of ways. One or more            graphics of the game may be changed to appear differently.            For example, a “cherry” symbol may appear in a different            shade of red or with three cherries on a stem rather than            two. In some embodiments, new symbols are substituted in for            old symbols. For example, rather than “cherry” symbols, a            game may use “blueberry” symbols. However, outcomes            containing blueberries may result in the same winnings as            did outcomes with cherry symbols in the original game. In            some embodiments, sound effects are changed or disguised.            For example the background music in the disguised game may            be different from that in the original game. In some            embodiments, the animation or video sequences may be            altered. For example, reels of a gaming device may appear to            spin faster or slower, to appear jerkier or less jerky,            etc., than they did in the original game. For live games,            features of one or more players may be hidden or disguised.            For example the face of a dealer at a live game may be            blurred out in footage of the game. In some embodiments, a            new face may be super-imposed over the old face of a dealer            or player so as to heighten the effect of the disguising. As            will be appreciated, there are many other possible ways of            disguising a game so that its outcome is not predictable to            even a player who has knowledge of the original game. As            described elsewhere in this document, a game may be            disguised by using a different game skin while maintaining            the same underlying events, outcomes, logic, etc. In some            embodiments, a game may be generated and presented using at            least two steps. In a first step, the results of one or more            random events are determined, leading to the determination            of a final outcome and a final payout for the game. In the            second step, data about the results of the random event(s),            the final outcome, and the final payout are used to create a            graphical presentation for the player. For example, once it            is determined that a player will receive an outcome            consisting of three like symbols, with an associated payout            of 20 coins, such data may be fed into the second step. In            the second step, a graphical rendering of slot machine reels            may be created, with such rendering showing the reels            spinning and finally landing on an outcome with three like            symbols. Further the graphical rendering may include a            flashing message that says, “Congratulations, you won 20            coins!” It will be appreciated that the first step may be            performed by a first device, processor, algorithm or set of            algorithms, and that the second step may be performed by a            second device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms.            Accordingly, the second device, processor, algorithm, or set            of algorithms may be removed and replaced with a third            device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms. This            third device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms may            receive the same set of data from the first step as did the            second device, processor, algorithm, or set of algorithms.            However, the third device, processor, algorithm, or set of            algorithms may perform the second step in a different            fashion. The third device, processor, algorithm, or set of            algorithms may thereby generated a different set of            graphics, graphical renderings, or other presentation            formats than did the second device, processor, algorithm, or            set of algorithms. Thus, the underlying structure of the            game has remained the same, but it has been presented using            a different skin.    -   1.18. Choosing aspects of a game. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may choose a game in which to participate based        on one or more attributes of the game or associated with the        game. The secondary player may indirectly choose the game by        first choosing an attribute, and then having the opportunity to        participate in one or more games having the chosen attribute.        Various attributes may be especially meaningful to a secondary        player and thus a secondary player may prefer to play games        having those attributes. In various embodiments, the casino may        select for the secondary player a game with an attribute that is        anticipated to be meaningful for the secondary player. In        various embodiments, the casino may provide the secondary player        with the ability to search for a game based on one or more        attributes of the game.        -   1.18.1. Choose a special date. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may find a particular date to be            meaningful. Thus, the secondary player may select a game            that was played on the date. If the casino knows a date to            be meaningful for the secondary player, then the casino may            select for the player a game played on that date.            -   1.18.1.1. Choose the secondary player's birthday. A                meaningful date for a secondary player may be a                birthday. The birthday may be the birthday of the                secondary player, of a relative of the secondary                player's, of a pet of the secondary player's, of a                friend of the secondary player's and so on. The                secondary player may indicate to the casino that such a                date is meaningful to the secondary player. The casino                may accordingly select a game for the secondary player                that was played on the date. The casino may also have a                record of the secondary player's birthday based on                information already provided to the casino by the                secondary player. For example, the secondary player may                have provided the casino with his date of birth when                signing up for a player tracking card, or when taking a                loan from the casino. The casino may then select,                without request from the secondary player, a game that                was first played on the birthday of the secondary                player.            -   1.18.1.2. Choose a date on which a big jackpot was won.                In various embodiments, a secondary player may wish to                play a game that was first played on the date that a                large payout, such as a jackpot, was won. This may give                the secondary player the opportunity to participate in                the game in which the jackpot was won. The secondary                player may indicate to the casino a desire to play a                game that was first played on the day of a big jackpot.                The casino may then allow the secondary player to                participate in one or more games played on the day of                the jackpot. The secondary player may not himself know                the date when a big jackpot was won. Thus, the secondary                player may request that he be allowed to participate in                games from the same date as the date that the last big                jackpot was won.            -   1.18.1.3. Choose a date when the progressive was still                big. The secondary player may have a shot at the large                progressive. In various embodiments, a secondary player                may wish to have the opportunity to win a large                progressive jackpot. As is well known, the size of a                progressive jackpot may vary over time. In general, as                time passes without a progressive jackpot being won, the                progressive jackpot becomes larger. The current size of                a progressive jackpot may not be large enough to satisfy                the desires of a secondary player. Therefore, the                secondary player may wish to participate in a historical                game from a time that the progressive jackpot was                larger. Accordingly, the secondary player may request to                participate in a game that was first played at a time                the progressive jackpot was in excess of a certain                threshold. The casino may, accordingly, allow the                secondary player to participate in such a game.        -   1.18.2. Choose a gaming device. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may search for a gaming device having            desired attributes or characteristics. Upon finding a gaming            device with desired attributes or characteristics, the            secondary player may choose to participate in games played            at the gaming device. The secondary player may search for a            gamine device using a search form. In the search form, the            player may select from among various characteristics of a            gaming device, some of which are described below.            -   1.18.2.1. A secondary player may search for a gaming                device based on the historical results of the gaming                device. For example, a secondary player may search for a                gaming device with one or more of the following                characteristics: (a) the gaming device has paid more                than X amount of money in the last Y amount of time; (b)                the gaming device has paid more than X amount of money                in general; (c) the gaming device has paid X amount of                in excess of what it has taken in, in the last Y amount                of time; (d) the gaming device has made X amount in                excess of what it has taken in, in general; (e) the                gaming device has generated winning games for players in                X % of its games in the last Y period of time; (f) the                gaming device has generated winning games for players in                X % of its games out of the last Y games; (g) the gaming                device generated winning games for players in X of its                most recent games; (h) the gaming device has paid X                payouts greater than Y in the last Z games; (i) the                gaming device has paid X payouts greater than Y; (j) the                gaming device has paid a jackpot in the last X days (or                other time period); (k) the gaming device has paid X                jackpots in general; (l) the gaming device has entered X                number of bonus rounds in his last Y games; (m) the                gaming device has entered X number of bonus rounds ever.            -   1.18.2.2. A secondary player may search for a gaming                device based on the type of game or based on a                characteristic of a game played at the gaming device. A                secondary player may search for a gaming device with one                or more of the following attributes: (a) the gaming                device uses mechanical reels; (b) the gaming device uses                video reels; (c) the gaming device has three reels; (d)                the gaming device has five reels; (e) the gaming device                has X number of reels; (f) the gaming device accepts a                particular denomination of bets (e.g., penny, nickel,                quarter, dollar); (g) the gaming device has X number of                pay-lines; (h) the gaming device has 1 pay-line; (i) the                gaming device has 3 pay-lines; (j) the gaming device has                more than 1 pay-line; (k) the gaming device allows                multiple bets per pay-line; (l) the gaming device is                made by a particular manufacturer; (m) the gaming device                or a game at the gaming device was introduced in the                last X years (e.g., the game is a new game); (n) the                gaming device has a particular theme (e.g., I Love Lucy,                Regis Philbin); (o) the gaming device features a slot                game; (p) the gaming device features a video poker                game; (q) the gaming device features video                blackjack; (r) the gaming device is part of a particular                cluster of gaming devices (e.g., a cluster of gaming                devices where an outcome at one gaming device may                influence an outcome at another gaming device in the                cluster); and so on.            -   1.18.2.3. A secondary player may search for a gaming                device based on one or more payouts that may be provided                by the gaming device. Such payouts may be contingent on                a primary player of the gaming device obtaining a                particular outcome at the gaming device. A secondary                player may search for a gaming device that has a top                payout of over X times a bet, that has a payout of over                X amount, and/or that has at least X payouts over Y                amount. A secondary player may search for a gaming                device that has more than X outcomes that are winning                and/or a gaming device that has more than X outcomes                that pay more than Y. A secondary player may search for                a gaming device that has a particular or a particular                range of payout frequency. For example, a secondary                player may search for a gaming device that pays, on                average, between once ever five games and once every                seven games.        -   1.18.3. A simulated game matches search criteria. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may specify search criteria            in order to find a game in which to participate. The casino            may then provide the secondary player with the opportunity            to participate in a simulated game which matches the search            criteria. For example, a secondary player may search for a            game of blackjack in which the dealer up-card is a six. The            casino may then offer the secondary player an opportunity to            participate in a simulated game of blackjack in which the            dealer has an up-card of six. The simulated game may have            been simulated in the past. For example, the casino may have            simulated numerous games in the past and stored data about            the games. The casino may then find one of the games from            the stored set of games such that the found game matches the            secondary player's search criteria. The casino server may            then offer the secondary player the opportunity to            participate in the found game. In the aforementioned            example, the casino server may offer the secondary player            the chance to participate in a simulated game in which the            dealer had an up-card of six. In various embodiments, a            simulated game may include a game where player decisions            were made by a computer routine. In various embodiments, a            simulated game may include a game in which random events            were generated using a computer routine. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may perform a search for a            game of a primary player matching certain criteria. The            casino may, once the search criteria have been specified by            the secondary player, generate one or more simulated games            matching the search criteria. For example, the secondary            player may search for a series of games in which a primary            player has won 10 consecutive games in a row. The casino may            thereupon simulate a series of games. The casino may            continue simulating games until the simulated primary player            has won 10 games in a row. The casino may then, for example,            provide the secondary player with the opportunity to            participate in the next simulated game. In various            embodiments, the casino may construct one or more games that            match search criteria of the secondary player. For example,            if the secondary player is interested in participating in a            game of craps in which the first roll of the dice is an            eight, then the casino may begin a simulated game and force            the first roll to be a eight. Subsequent rolls in the game            may be generated at random. In embodiments described herein,            any searches performed by a secondary player for a            particular type of game may be satisfied by simulated games            and/or by games constructed by the casino server. In various            embodiments the odds, the payouts, the rules, and/or the            required bet amount for a game may be changed when a            secondary player has specified a criterion that the game            must meet. For example, if the secondary player specifies a            game of blackjack in which the primary player has a good            starting hand (e.g., an 11 point total) then the payout for            a winning hand may be reduced.        -   1.18.4. Search for a trend. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may search for a particular trend or            pattern among one or more games. For example, a secondary            player may search for any string of 10 consecutive games            played by the same primary player in which the primary            player won all 10 games. Once finding the trend, the            secondary player may participate in the game immediately            following the trend. For example, a secondary player may            find a trend of spins at a roulette wheel in which three            consecutive spins resulted in the number 13. The secondary            player may then participate in the spin of the roulette            wheel that immediately followed the three spins in which the            number 13 came up. The secondary player may not know the            result of the spin which immediately followed the three            spins where a 13 came up. A secondary player may search for            various trends, including: (a) a series of consecutive games            played by the same primary player in which the primary            player has lost all the games; (b) a series of consecutive            games played by the same primary player in which the primary            player has won all the games; (c) a series of consecutive            games played by the same primary player in which the primary            player has tied in all the games; (d) a series of            consecutive games played by the same primary player in which            the primary player has generated at least a predetermined            amount of net winnings; (e) a series of consecutive games            played by the same primary player in which the primary            player has generated at least a predetermined amount of            gross winnings; (f) a series of consecutive games played by            the same primary player for which a particular symbol (e.g.,            “bell”) has occurred in every game; (g) a series of            consecutive games played by the same primary player in which            the primary player has alternated every game between winning            and losing; (h) a series of consecutive spins at of a            roulette wheel that have resulted in the same outcome (e.g.,            the number 4); (i) a series of consecutive spins at of a            roulette wheel that have resulted in the same type of            outcome (e.g., a red outcome); (j) a time period (e.g., a            five-minute time period) during which 80% of blackjack games            played by any primary player were won; (k) a time period            (e.g., a one-hour period) during which three jackpot            outcomes were won at slot machines in a particular            casino; (l) a series of games (e.g., games played at a            particular table at a casino) in which a particular starting            hand occurred at least 20% of the time (e.g., in which            primary players received a blackjack at least 20% of the            time); and so on. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may search for a primary player who is the biggest loser            within a given population during a given period of time. For            example, a secondary player may search for a primary player            who has lost the most during a one-hour period of time at            the reel slot machines. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may search for a primary player who is the biggest            winner within a given population during a given period of            time. In various embodiments, a secondary player may search            for a primary player who has had the most outcomes paying            more than $50 within a given population during a given            period of time. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may search for a primary player who is the biggest loser            over his entire playing session when compared to any other            primary player. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may search for a primary player who is the biggest loser            over his entire playing career, at least at a particular            casino. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            search for a trend that is based on an area of a casino. For            example, a secondary player may search for an area of a            casino such that games played in that area over the last            hour have resulted in net winnings for all players of $3000.            In various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a            trend that is based on a type of game. For example, the            secondary player may search for a type of game such that, in            the last X minutes, games of that type have resulted in            average winnings for primary players of more than $20. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may search for a            trend that is based on primary players with a certain            characteristic. For example, the secondary player may search            for a trend in which primary players from Arkansas have won,            on average, more than $50 per player over the last hour.        -   1.18.5. Choose a primary player. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may search for a primary player having            desired attributes or characteristics. Upon finding a            primary player with desired attributes or characteristics,            the secondary player may choose to participate in games of            the primary player. The secondary player may search for a            primary player using a search form. In the search form, the            player may select from among various characteristics of the            primary player, some of which are described below. For            example, the secondary player may enter an age or age range            desired in a primary player. The secondary player may also            select a characteristic of a primary player from a menu. For            example, the secondary player may select one of fifty states            from a menu, the state indicating a desired residence            location for a primary player. As will be appreciated, a            secondary player may search for a primary player in many            other ways. For example, a secondary player may communicate            to a casino representative (e.g., via text message) a            description of a primary player. The casino representative            may then check records of people currently checked into its            hotel or currently playing at gaming devices (e.g., with            tracking cards inserted), and may attempt to locate a person            matching the description provided by the secondary player.            In some embodiments, a secondary player may seek a            particular and unique individual, i.e., the secondary player            may submit a description that can only be satisfied by one            person in the world. For example, the secondary player may            submit a name. In some embodiments, the secondary player may            submit a description that may be satisfied by any one or a            plurality of primary players. The secondary player need not            have a particular individual in mind.            -   1.18.5.1. A secondary player may search for a primary                player based on the historical results of the primary                player. For example, a secondary player may search for a                primary player with one or more of the following                characteristics: (a) the primary player has won more                than X amount of money in the last Y amount of time; (b)                the primary player has won more than X amount of money                in general; (c) the primary player has made X amount of                profits in the last Y amount of time; (d) the primary                player has made X amount of profits in general; (e) the                primary player has won X % of his games in the last Y                period of time; (f) the primary player has won X % of                his games out of the last Y games; (g) the primary                player won X of his most recent games; (h) the primary                player has won X payouts greater than Y in the last Z                games; (i) the primary player has won X payouts greater                than Y; (j) the primary player has won a jackpot in the                last X days (or other time period); (k) the primary                player has won x jackpots in general; (l) the primary                player has used optimal strategy in his last X                games; (m) the primary player has used good or expert                level strategy in his last X games; (n) the primary                player has entered X number of bonus rounds in his last                Y games; (o) the primary player has entered X number of                bonus rounds ever.            -   1.18.5.2. A secondary player may search for a primary                player based on a historical relationship between the                primary player and the secondary player. The secondary                player may search for a primary player in whose game or                games the secondary player has previously participated.                The secondary player may search for a primary player,                where, participating in the games of the primary                player: (a) the secondary player has won a jackpot; (b)                the secondary player has made a profit; (c) the                secondary player has entered X number of bonus                rounds; (d) the secondary player has won in X of the                last Y games; (e) the secondary player has won X % of                the last Y games; (f) the secondary player has won X                payouts more than Y amount; and so on. The secondary                player may also search for a primary player where the                secondary player has participated in more than X number                of games with the primary player.            -   1.18.5.3. A secondary player may search for a primary                player based on demographic characteristics of the                primary player. For example, the secondary player may                search for a primary player based on one or more of the                primary player's: (a) age; (b) race; (c) marital                status; (d) number of children; (e) number of                grandchildren; (f) religion; (g) place of birth; (h)                place of residence; (i) gender; (j) occupation; (k)                income; (l) disability status; (m) education level; (n)                high school attended; (o) college attended; and so on.                For example, the secondary player may wish to                participate in games of a primary player who shares one                or more demographic characteristics with the secondary                player.            -   1.18.5.4. A secondary player may search for a primary                player based on hobbies enjoyed by the primary player.                For example, the secondary player may search for a                primary player that enjoys a particular game or sport,                or for a primary player that is a fan of a particular                sports team.            -   1.18.5.5. A secondary player may search for a primary                player with whom the secondary player has some prior                connection or relationship. The secondary player may                search for a primary player in whose games the secondary                player has previously participated. The secondary player                may search for primary players in whose game the                secondary player has previously won money, won a                jackpot, won a large payout, or had some other result of                interest to the secondary player.            -   1.18.6. In various embodiments, a secondary player may                search for a particular game based on attributes of the                game. The search may be particular to an individual                game. For example, a search may distinguish between two                games played by the same primary player at the same                gaming device. In some embodiments, a secondary player                may search for a game in which a certain amount has been                bet. For example, a secondary player may search for a                game in which three coins have been bet. The bet of                three coins may make the primary player of the game                eligible to win the jackpot. The secondary player may                search for a game in which X number of pay-lines are                activated, or a game in which X number of hands of video                poker are being played simultaneously. A secondary                player may search for a game based on the time or date                on which the game was played.                -   1.18.6.1. In some embodiments, a secondary player                    may search for a game based on events that transpire                    within the game. For example, the game may have                    already occurred, or the game may be in process at                    the time of the secondary player's search. A                    secondary player may search for a game in which: (a)                    a particular set of cards have been dealt (e.g., a                    video poker game where a pair has been dealt in an                    initial hand, or a blackjack hand where cards                    totaling 11 have been dealt as a starting hand); (b)                    a particular symbol or symbols of an outcome have                    been determined (e.g., two bar symbols have appeared                    on the reels of a gaming device out of an outcome                    consisting of three symbols); (c) a bonus round has                    been reached; and/or (d) a certain level of a bonus                    round has been reached.            -   1.18.7. Providing a game for the secondary player to                participate in. At some point, the secondary player may                be ready to participate in a game with certain                attributes. The attributes may be attributes specified                by the secondary player. For example, the secondary                player may have searched for a game with the certain                attributes, or otherwise provided an indication of a                desire to participate in a game with the certain                attributes. In some embodiments, the casino may, for                other reasons, wish to have the secondary player                participate in a game with the certain attributes.                -   1.18.7.1. An actual historical game is provided.                    Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a                    casino may retrieve data about a historical game                    with the given set of attributes or characteristics.                    The historical game may be a game that was actually                    played by a real human player. For example, when a                    secondary player has indicated a desire to play in a                    game of video poker that was played by a primary                    player aged 60 years old, the casino may retrieve                    data about a game that was actually played in the                    past by a 60 year-old primary player and that was                    played at a video poker machine. The data retrieved                    may be used to display information about the game to                    the secondary player (e.g., to show screen shots of                    the cards being dealt in the game), to determine                    what the outcome of the game was, to determine                    whether the secondary player is a winner based on                    bets placed on the game by the secondary player, and                    to determine an amount to pay the secondary player.                    Data about historical games may be stored in a                    database or in any other storage means. Data about                    historical games may be indexed by different                    attributes, such as the age of the player or the                    type of game. Games may thus be searched by                    attributes, and data about games with attributes                    desired by a secondary player may be retrieved.                -   1.18.7.2. A historical simulated game is provided.                    Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a                    casino may retrieve data about a historical game                    that was simulated. The game may not ever have been                    played by a real human being. In some embodiments,                    the outcome of the game may have been determined                    prior to play by a real human being. However,                    subsequent to the outcome being generated, a person                    (e.g., a secondary player) may have participated in                    the game. As with a historical game originally                    played by a live player, data about a historical                    game that was simulated may be stored in a database                    and indexed by attributes. Subsequently, data about                    historical games may be searched according to                    desired attributes. The data may then be used to                    recreate the game for a secondary player, and to                    determine an outcome and an amount to be paid to a                    secondary player.                -   1.18.7.3. A current actual game is provided. Given a                    set of attributes or characteristics, a casino may                    determine a current game in progress with the given                    set of attributes or characteristics. For example, a                    60 year-old primary player from Wisconsin may                    currently be involved in a game at a video poker                    machine in which an initial hand with a pair has                    been dealt. The secondary player may be allowed to                    participate in the game in progress. For example,                    the secondary player may be allowed to place a bet                    on what the final outcome of the game will be. In                    various embodiments, the secondary player need not                    have the benefit of the same pay table as does the                    primary player, since the secondary player is                    placing a bet in the middle of the game and has more                    information than the primary player did at the start                    of the game.                -   1.18.7.4. A current simulated game is provided.                    Given a set of attributes or characteristics, a                    casino may simulate a game having the given                    attributes or characteristics. The casino may, for                    example, use a computer algorithm to determine cards                    to deal in a card game (e.g., video poker) or to                    determine symbols to show in a simulated reel slot                    machine. For example, if a secondary player desires                    to participate in a game of video poker, the casino                    may simulate a game of video poker. If the secondary                    player desires to participate in a video slot                    machine game, the casino may simulate a video slot                    machine game. In various embodiments, the casino may                    use algorithms to simulate table games as well as                    games typically played on a gaming device. For                    example, the casino server may simulate craps,                    blackjack, or poker. If other players would normally                    be present in a game, the casino may use computer                    algorithms to simulate the decisions that would have                    been made by humans. For example, in order to                    simulate a game of poker, the casino may use                    algorithms designed to bet, call, fold, raise, or                    check, according to certain pre-programmed rules. In                    some embodiments, a secondary player may wish to                    participate in a game in which certain symbols or                    outcomes occur. The casino may, in some embodiments,                    simulate multiple games until the desired symbols or                    outcomes occur. The secondary player may have the                    opportunity to participate only in the game, of the                    multiple games, in which the desired symbols or                    outcomes occurred. For example, the secondary player                    may indicate a desire to participate in a game in                    which three-of-a-kind was dealt on the initial hand                    in a game of video poker. The casino may deal a                    number of simulated hands of video poker. Only when                    the casino finally deals an initial hand with                    three-of-a-kind, e.g., due to random chance, does                    the casino allow the secondary player to then place                    a bet and to receive winnings for the final outcome                    of the game. In some embodiments, the casino may                    accept a bet from the secondary player first,                    simulate multiple games until a game with desired                    characteristics is simulated, and then pay the                    player based upon the outcome of the game with the                    desired characteristics. In some embodiments, the                    simulation may begin with a game of the desired                    attributes. For example, if a secondary player                    desires to play in a game of video poker with                    three-of-a-kind dealt on the starting hand, then the                    simulation may begin by immediately dealing                    three-of-a-kind. The simulation may randomize the                    remaining cards (e.g., shuffle the cards remaining                    after the three cards of the same rank have been                    dealt, the remaining cards completing a standard                    deck of 52 cards). The game may continue with two                    additional cards dealt from the randomized deck to                    complete the initial hand, followed by the                    discarding of one or two cards, followed by the                    replacing of the discarded cards with new cards from                    the randomized deck. In various embodiments, the                    secondary player may or may not have the opportunity                    to make decisions in a simulated game. For example,                    in some embodiments, the secondary player may choose                    which cards to discard in a game of video poker. In                    some embodiments, the cards that are discarded may                    be chosen automatically, e.g., by a computer                    algorithm employing optimal poker strategy.                -   1.18.7.5. An alert is provided for when a game with                    desired characteristics will be played. Given a set                    of attributes or characteristics, a casino may                    determine when such a game will be played or will be                    likely to be played. For example, a secondary player                    may wish to participate in a game played by a                    primary player at a 3-reel slot machine, the primary                    player having three kids and a birthday in April.                    The casino may determine that a primary player with                    three kids and a birthday in April is indeed seated                    at a 3-reel slot machine. The primary player may                    have been playing for 20 minutes already, and                    presumably will continue to play. Therefore, a                    secondary player may be permitted to participate in                    games of the primary player from that point forward.                    The casino may alert the secondary player that a                    primary player with desired characteristics has been                    found and that the secondary player may begin                    placing bets in the games of the primary player.                    Further, the casino may begin transmitting                    information about the games of the primary player to                    the secondary player.    -   1.19. A secondary player participates in a game where a        progressive jackpot is won. In various embodiments, a secondary        player may participate in a game for which the primary player is        eligible to win a progressive jackpot. However, in various        embodiments, a progressive jackpot constitutes a single pool of        money, and therefore cannot be paid in its entirety to multiple        different players.        -   1.19.1. The secondary player gets a fixed substitute. In            various embodiments, when a primary player wins a            progressive jackpot, a secondary player participating in the            same game receives a fixed payment. The fixed payment may be            some predetermined amount, such as $10,000.        -   1.19.2. The secondary player gets a fixed percentage. In            various embodiments, when a primary player wins a            progressive jackpot, a secondary player participating in the            same game receives percentage of the progressive jackpot.            -   1.19.2.1. The primary player gets the full amount, or                less so the secondary player can be paid. In various                embodiments, when a secondary player receives a                percentage of a progressive jackpot won by a primary                player, the amount received by the primary player from                the jackpot may be correspondingly reduced. For example,                if the secondary player receives X % of a progressive                jackpot, the primary player may receive 100%−X % of the                progressive jackpot. In various embodiments, for each                bet placed on a game with a progressive jackpot, a                portion of the bet is contributed towards increasing the                size of the progressive jackpot. Thus, when a primary                player and a secondary player each place a separate bet                on a game, a portion of the primary player's bet may add                to the size of the progressive jackpot, and a portion of                the secondary player's bet may contribute to the size of                the progressive jackpot. For each game, a fixed                contribution to the progressive jackpot may be required.                Thus, if both a primary player and a secondary player                participate in a game, the contribution from the primary                player towards the progressive jackpot may be less for                that game than if only the primary player were                participating in the game. In various embodiments, the                primary player may receive the full amount of the                progressive jackpot. The amount received by the                secondary player may be over and above the amount paid                out to the primary player. Even so, the secondary player                may receive an amount equal to a predetermined                percentage of the progressive jackpot, such as 10% of                the progressive jackpot.        -   1.19.3. Part of progressive amount is set aside for            secondary players before it is paid out. In various            embodiments, a progressive jackpot is divided into two or            more portions. A first portion is available to be won by            primary players. A second portion is available to be won by            secondary players. If a progressive jackpot is won in a            game, a primary player participating in the game would win            the portion of the progressive jackpot available to primary            players, and a secondary player participating in the game            would win the portion of the progressive jackpot available            to secondary players. If there is no secondary player for            the game, then the portion of the progressive jackpot            available for secondary players may remain unclaimed.        -   1.19.4. There is a progressive just for secondary players.            In various embodiments, a progressive jackpot (other similar            terms used herein may include “progressive prize”,            “progressive prize pool”, “progressive pool”, “progressive            payout”) may grow from the contributions of only secondary            players. The progressive jackpot may be available to be won            only by secondary players. For example, for each bet a            secondary player puts on a particular type of game, a            portion of the bet may be set aside and added to a            progressive jackpot. If a secondary player participating in            the particular type of game later wins the progressive            jackpot, the jackpot may go to the secondary player. The            size of the progressive prize pool may then go down to zero.            In some embodiments, once a progressive prize pool has been            claimed, the next pool may be seeded with some money by a            casino, e.g., with $10,000, so as to garner interest from            secondary players. In various embodiments, a display visible            by a secondary player may track the size of a progressive.            For example, a secondary player may participate in games            using a mobile device (e.g., a mobile device as set forth in            Nevada bill AB471). The mobile device may maintain on its            display screen a running tally of the size of the            progressive pool.            -   In various embodiments, two or more separate progressive                jackpots may be available for secondary players. In                various embodiments, a secondary player may be eligible                to win a progressive prize based on the location or                geographic region from which the secondary player                participates in games. For example, a secondary player                participating while seated in Casino A may be eligible                for a first progressive prize pool of $10,000. Another                secondary player participating while seated in Casino B                may be eligible for a second progressive prize pool of                $20,000. A progressive prize pool may be available to be                won by a particular secondary player based on one or                more characteristics or circumstances of the secondary                player, such characteristics or circumstances                including: (a) a demographic of the secondary player,                such as an age, birthday, birthplace, marital status,                educational status, and so on (e.g., there may be a                first progressive pool for secondary players aged 60 or                over and a second progressive pool for secondary players                aged 59 or under); (b) the particular type of game the                secondary player is participating in (e.g., there may be                separate progressive prizes for slot machine games and                video poker games); (c) the location or geographic                region from which the secondary player is participating                (e.g., there may be different progressive pools for                different casinos, different cities, different states,                etc.); (d) the time or date during which the secondary                player is participating (e.g., there may be a different                progressive prize offered during each six-hour period in                a day); (e) the identity of the primary player (e.g.,                there may be a first progressive prize pool associated                with the games of a first set of primary players, and a                second progressive prize pool associated with a second                set of primary players); (f) a characteristic or                circumstance of the primary player (e.g., demographic,                location, etc. of the primary player); (g) a bet being                made by the secondary player (e.g., a secondary player                may be eligible for a first progressive prize if his bet                is more than $3, and a second progressive prize if his                bet is less than $4); and so on. In various embodiments,                a progressive prize pool may be associated with a given                period of time. For example, a progressive prize pool                may be associated with a particular day. The progressive                prize pool may be associated with a guarantee that it                will be won on its associated day (or its associated                period of time). According to the guarantee, the                progressive prize may be claimed by the first secondary                player to achieve outcome A, the first secondary player                to achieve outcome B if no secondary player achieves                outcome A, the first secondary player to achieve outcome                C if no secondary player achieves outcomes A or B, and                so on. In various embodiments, a progressive prize pool                may have its probability of occurrence set so that it is                likely the pool will be won during an associated time                period. For example, if it is anticipated that secondary                players will play 10,000 games during a given time                period in which they have a chance of winning a                progressive, the probability of winning for each game                may be set at 1/5000. The probability that the                progressive will be won during the time period may then                be approximately 86%. In some embodiments, as the casino                may be aware in advance of the outcomes of games to be                played by a secondary player, the casino may                intentionally offer for play at least one game that will                result in a progressive prize being won. One such game                may be offered during every period in which a                progressive prize is guaranteed to be won. In various                embodiments, two or more progressive prize pools may be                simultaneously available to be won by a secondary                player. One progressive pool may be associated with a                relatively shorter period of time, while another                progressive pool may be associated with a relatively                longer period of time. For example, a first progressive                prize pool may be won, on average, once a year. In fact,                the first progressive prize pool may be guaranteed to                have a winner every year. A second progressive prize                pool may be won, on average, once a day. A secondary                player may be eligible to win either of the progressive                prize pools in the same game. In some embodiments, a                secondary player may win only the first progressive                prize pool while participating in a first game. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may be eligible to win                only the second progressive prize pool while                participating in a second game.        -   1.19.5. A secondary player cannot play games with            progressives. In various embodiments, secondary players may            not be allowed to participate in games with progressive            payouts.        -   1.19.6. A secondary player wins the full amount of the            progressive. In various embodiments, when a progressive            payout is won in a game, the secondary player may receive            the full amount of the progressive. For example, suppose a            primary player wins a progressive jackpot in a game for            which the progressive jackpot is $100,000. The primary            player may receive $100,000. The secondary player may also            receive $100,000.        -   1.19.7. Making up extra funds to pay secondary players. In            various embodiments, a progressive payout (e.g., a            progressive jackpot) may consist of funds held in reserve            for a time when the jackpot must be paid out. If a            progressive jackpot is won in a game where a secondary            player is participating, the progressive jackpot may go to            the primary player and additional funds must be obtained by            the casino to pay the secondary player. In various            embodiments, the casino may pay the secondary player out of            a separate pool of funds, such as an account used by the            casino for general business expenses. In some embodiments,            the secondary player may receive a promise of payment. The            secondary player may receive a portion of contributions            towards future progressive payouts. For example, the            secondary player may receive 50% of all portions of bets            withheld for a subsequent progressive jackpot until such            time as the subsequent progressive jackpot is won.    -   1.20. Anti-vulture provisions. A secondary player may be        prevented from playing in games with a positive expected value.        Various situations may arise with respect to a gaming device or        with respect to a live table game where betting circumstances        are favorable to a player. Favorable circumstances may include        circumstances where a player might expect to receive, on        average, more than 100% of his bet from winnings in a game. For        example, if a progressive jackpot or other payout at a slot        machine reaches a certain level, the slot machine may return, on        average, more than 100% of an amount bet. In some slot machines,        certain symbols, tokens, or other objects may be accumulated        from game to game. For example, Double Diamond Mine® slots, made        by IGT, allow a player to accumulate diamond symbols from game        to game. Once 10 diamond symbols from a particular reel have        been accumulated, the player wins a payout. A slot machine in        which a number of such objects have been accumulated may return,        on average, more than 100% of an amount bet. In games of        blackjack, such as in live table games of blackjack, a game may        return more than 100% of an amount bet if the cards remaining in        a deck have a predominance of one type of card (e.g., of high        cards).        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may be allowed to            search for historical games in which the expected payout is            more than 100% of the bet. For example, the secondary player            may search for games at a Double Diamond Mine® slot machine            where nine diamond symbols for each reel have already been            accumulated. In another example, the secondary player may be            allowed to search for gaming devices in which a progressive            jackpot has exceeded a certain threshold. The secondary            player may be allowed to participate in such games. However,            in some embodiments, the secondary player may be prevented            from participating in games in which an expected payout is            more than 100% of the bet. In some embodiments, a secondary            player may only be allowed to participate in games returning            more than 100% of an amount bet if such games arise during a            longer sequence or session of play. For example, a secondary            player may be allowed to participate in a Double Diamond            Mine® slot game for which nine diamond symbols have            accumulated for each reel only if the secondary player has            already participated in immediately prior games that had            occurred at the same slot machine.        -   Tracking of game data usage. In some embodiments, a game            that was originally played at a first casino or other            establishment may subsequently be recreated at a second            casino or establishment. For example, a secondary player at            a second casino may participate in a game that was            originally played at a first casino. The second casino may            derive revenue, profit, or other financial gain from the            recreation of the game at the second casino. For example,            when a secondary player places a bet on the game at the            secondary casino, the secondary casino may expect to win            some portion of the bet, on average. In some embodiments,            the second casino may compensate the first casino for the            privilege of using or recreating the game that was first            generated or played at the first casino. In various            embodiments, the use of games for participation by secondary            players may be tracked. The tracking of such use may allow a            first casino (e.g., the casino that originally generated a            game) to track how much it is owed, and a second            establishment (e.g., the casino that recreated the game for            play by the secondary player) to track how much it owes. The            use of a game at a casino may be tracked in a number of            ways. Data related to the game, e.g., a game identifier, may            be stored in a database. A time during which the game was            recreated may be stored. Other items stored may include: (a)            an identity of a secondary player who played the game; (b)            an amount bet on the game; (c) an amount won or lost by the            casino recreating the game; (d) a type of bet placed on the            game; (e) a number of secondary players who participated in            the game; (f) a location of a secondary player who bet on            the game; (g) an amount owed to the casino that originally            generated the games; and so on. Data about individual games            may not be stored, in some embodiments. Rather, data about            blocks or groups of games may be stored. For example, a            casino may store a record indicating that a group of 1000            games was recreated during the afternoon of Aug. 17, 2010,            and that a total of $40,000 was bet on the games.        -   In various embodiments, a casino that used or recreated one            or more games may send a report about the use of the games            to the casino that originally generated the games. For            example, the casino that recreated the games may send a            printed report with each line on the report detailing, e.g.,            a particular game, a particular time the game was recreated,            an amount bet, and an amount owed to the casino that            originally generated the games. The report may be a paper or            electronic report. The report may be sent by postal mail,            email, fax, via download from the Internet, or via any other            means. A report may cover a single game or a group of games.            A report may be sent in real time (e.g., a report about the            use of a game may be sent to the casino that originated the            game as the game is used or immediately after the game has            been used), periodically (e.g., every hour), or once (e.g.,            at the end of a period for which the casino using the games            is authorized to use the games by the casino that first            generated the games).        -   Data stored by a casino relating to the use or re-creation            of games within the casino may be obtained from devices used            for play by secondary players. For example, a terminal at            which a secondary player participates in a game may store            and/or transmit various data to the casino server, such as            amounts bet by the secondary player, which games the            secondary player played, and so on.        -   In various embodiments, a casino that uses data about games            originally generated at another casino may track or record            the use of various images associated with the game. Based on            the use of images, royalties may be paid to copyright            holders of the image. Also, the casino that originally            generated the game may track the use of images from the            game.    -   1.21. Bucket shop paradigm. Under this paradigm an establishment        hopes to invest the least amount possible in casino        infrastructure, including games, and even licenses to be a        casino operator. Instead, the establishment plans to just reuse        data from a real casino, set up a nice façade, and open up for        business. In various embodiments, an operator may set up a        gaming facility which uses solely or predominantly games or        outcomes that have already been generated. The operator may        thereby save various costs, possibly including the costs of        purchasing gaming equipment, costs of obtaining accounting        software and other infrastructure, and costs associated with        meeting various regulations. For example, by reusing outcomes        that have already been generated, an operator need not buy        expensive gaming machines to generate original outcomes.        Further, the operator need not submit such gaming machines for        regulatory approval or inspection. In some embodiments, an        operator of a facility that only reuses games and outcomes        already generated may not be required to obtain the same types        of regulatory approval as does a facility that generates        original games and outcomes. The operator of the facility that        reuses games and outcomes need not, in some embodiments, submit        devices used by secondary players to the same process of        regulatory approval that ordinary gaming devices (e.g., slot        machines) are subject to. Rather the regulatory approval process        may be simpler for the devices used solely by secondary players.        In some embodiments, an entire facility that only reuses games        or outcomes may not be subject to the same regulatory processes        as is a facility that generates original outcomes. Rather, the        regulatory processes may be simpler for facilities that solely        reuse games or outcomes.        -   In some embodiments, by using outcomes already generated, an            operator may use accounting data that has already been            generated to account for amounts received, won, and lost            based on the outcomes. Thus, the operator may save on            accounting software and other accounting infrastructure,            such as networks or intranets for conveying accounting            related information.        -   1.21.1. Use of shell machines that simply display outcomes            from other machines. In various embodiments, an operator may            install machines or devices with simplified functionality.            The machines may include currency acceptors, credit card            acceptors, or other acceptors for consideration to be used            for betting purposes. The machines may include output            devices, such as microphones for audio output and display            screens for video or graphical output. The machines may            further include dispensers for cash, coins, currency,            tokens, chips, cashless gaming receipts, or other            consideration. Consideration may be paid to a player based            on amounts won while participating in games, or based on            amounts remaining from an initial deposit made by a player.            The machines may further include media players and/or media            storage devices. For example, the machines may include DVD            players or VHS players. The machines may include VHS tapes,            DVDs, CDs, flash memory, or other media storage devices. The            machines may further include buttons, handles, and touch            screens for use by a player to input information, such as            amounts to bet. The machines may further include network            interfaces for sending and receiving information via a            network, such as an intranet or internet. Network interfaces            may include wireless network interfaces, such as antennae.            Operationally machines according to various embodiments may            receive a record of historical games, stored on a media            device, such as a DVD. The machines may receive currency            from a player. The machines may then receive an indication            of an amount to bet. The machines may then receive an            initiation signal for a game from the player. The player may            convey the initiation signal, for example, by pressing a            button labeled “spin” on the machine. The machine may then            play for the player a video or other depiction of a stored            game from the DVD. For example, the machine may play a            10-second video clip from the DVD, the video clip depicting            a historical game that occurred at an actual slot machine.            The machine may determine an outcome of the game. For            example, the DVD may store, in association with each game,            information about a payout or payout ratio associated with            the game. Based on the information about the payout, the            machine may pay the player. The player may be paid by, e.g.,            dispensing currency through a dispenser of the machine, or            by adding to a balance of player credits stored on the            machine. In various embodiments, the machine does not itself            generate any outcomes or games. The machine merely replays            games that have been previously generated. In various            embodiments, the machine may recreate games based on a            limited amount of information about the games. For example,            the machine may receive information about the outcome of a            game. The machine may then display an animated sequence            depicting slot reels spinning and stopping to show the            outcome. In some embodiments, the machine need not store            information about prior games locally on the machine.            Rather, the machine may receive information about historical            games via the network. As information about historical games            is received, the machine may recreate the historical games            for the benefit of a secondary player at the machine.        -   1.21.2. Simplified regulatory license. An operator is just            reusing data that's already been certified. There is no need            to recertify data. In various embodiments, an operator using            historical outcomes may operate without one or more licenses            required of a typical gaming operator. A special license may            be granted for operators who use only historical outcomes. A            special license may be granted for operators who use only            historical outcomes which have come from licensed gaming            establishments.        -   1.21.3. Reuse of accounting data. There is no need for an            operator to generate his own accounting data. In various            embodiments, a casino operator may generate a number of            original games or outcomes. Based on the outcomes, the            casino may generate a record of amounts won, amounts lost,            amounts collected, amounts owed in taxes, and so on. Such            data may constitute accounting data. The casino operator may            subsequently share such accounting data with a second            operator who reuses the outcomes generated by the first            casino operator. Since the outcomes used are the same, the            accounting data required may be the same or similar.            Therefore, in some embodiments, the second operator may            receive the accounting data from the first casino operator,            and reuse the accounting data for its own records.        -   1.21.4. Pre-inspection of the data is not allowed, as then            the bucket shop could be accused of knowing the outcomes in            advance. In various embodiments, an operator using            historical games or outcomes is forbidden by law,            regulation, convention, or other policy from obtaining            knowledge about the games or outcomes prior to the            participation in the games by a secondary player. In this            way, the operator may be discouraged from selectively making            available games or outcomes that are unfavorable to the            operator.    -   1.22. Multi-Tiered Poker Game. In various embodiments, a poker        game occurs. The poker game may include a number of live players        at a table at a casino. The poker game itself may be referred to        as a first tier game. Based upon the first tier game, a second        tier game may be played. The second tier game may involve a        different set of players. In some embodiments, the second tier        game includes one player for each player in the first tier game.        Each person in the second tier game may be associated or matched        with a person in the first tier game. In various embodiments, a        person in the second tier game may bet on what his associated        player will do in the first tier game. For example, the player        in the second tier game may bet that his associated player in        the first tier game will check, bet, raise, call or fold.        Further, the person in the second tier game may place a bet on        the amount that the associated person in the first tier game        will bet. For example, if Joe in the second tier game is        associated with Sue in the first tier game, then Joe may bet        that Sue will raise by at least 30 chips. In various        embodiments, a person in the second tier game cannot communicate        with his associated person in the first tier game. In various        embodiments, no one in the second tier game can communicate with        anyone in the first tier game, and vice versa. In various        embodiments, a person in the second tier game knows the cards of        the associated person in the first tier game, but does not know        the cards of any other player in the first tier game.        -   In various embodiments, a person in the second tier game may            also check, bet, raise, fold, or call against other people            in the second tier game. He may bluff and hope other people            in the second tier game will fold. Should two or more            players remain in a second tier game once the first tier            game has reached its conclusion, a pot in the second tier            game may be awarded to a person in the second tier based on            the results of the first tier game. Namely, if a person in a            second tier game is associated with the person in the first            tier game who won the first tier game, then the person in            the second tier game will also win in the second tier game.            In some embodiments, the result or outcome of the second            tier game is decided as if each person in the second tier            game held the cards of his associated person in the first            tier game. In various embodiments, if a player in the first            tier game folds, the associated player in the second tier            game folds automatically, and thus loses in the second tier            game.        -   In various embodiments, there may be higher tiers. For            example a third tier may include the same number of players            as are in the second tier (or, equivalently, the first            tier). Each player in the third tier may be associated with            a player in the second tier. Thus, the player in the third            tier may automatically be associated with the person in the            first tier to whom is associated the player in the second            tier that is associated with the player in the third tier.            In other words, one player in each tier may be associated            with a particular hand of cards, and all such players may be            associated with one another. Players in the third tier may            place bets on what bets will be made by associated players            in the second or first tiers, and on how much will be bet by            such players. Further players in the third tier may make            bets against one another to be decided by results of lower            tiers. A player in the third tier may win a pot if he has            not folded, his associated player in the second tier has not            folded, his associated player in the first tier has not            folded, and his associated player in the first tier has the            best poker hand at the conclusion of the first tier game.            However, if an associated player in the first or second tier            folds, a player in the third tier is automatically folded.            Note, however, that a player in the second tier is not            automatically folded if an associated player in the third            tier has folded. It will be appreciated that there may be            any number of tiers, with fourth, fifth, sixth, etc., tiers            operating in an analogous fashion to what has been described            with respect to the first three tiers. In some embodiments,            a person in a tier greater than the first tier may see the            cards of all players in the first tier.        -   1.22.1. There may be time limits on people in higher tiers            so they can't stall to see what happens in the actual game.            In some embodiments, a player in tier two or above may have            a time limit for making bets or other game decisions. The            time limit may force a player in tier two or higher to take            action before the game proceeds in tier one, and thus before            the player in tier two or above discovers important            information from watching the first tier players that might            aid him in his game decision.        -   1.22.2. A higher tier game may not occur in a live            environment. Thus higher tier players may bet after the            fact. In various embodiments, tier two, tier three, and            higher tier games may occur after the tier one game has            occurred. Accordingly, a playback of the action in the tier            one game may be halted until all appropriate actions have            been taken in the higher tier games.        -   1.22.3. Tiers could form among people at the pool, using            handheld devices. In various embodiments, a second tier,            third tier, or higher tier game may form amongst players            that are remote from a poker table. For example, players            located poolside at a casino may engage in a second tier            game using handheld devices, such as personal digital            assistants. Thus, the second tier players may benefit from            the work of a dealer and from the use of physical cards, but            without having to be physically present at a poker table.    -   1.23. In various embodiments, a first secondary player may        receive an alert regarding the activities of a primary player        and/or of a second secondary player. An activity that may        trigger an alert may include: (a) the primary player inserts a        tracking card into a gaming device; (b) the primary player        inserts currency or other consideration into a gaming        device; (c) the primary player presents a tracking card or other        identification at a table game (e.g., at a blackjack game); (d)        the primary player buys chips at a table game; (e) the primary        player places a bet in a slot machine game; (f) the primary        player places a bet in a game; (g) the primary player        participates in a game; (h) the primary player receives a payout        in a game; (i) the primary player checks into a hotel; (j) the        primary player pays for a meal at a restaurant (thereby        identifying himself with a credit card, for example); and so on.        Similar activities by the second secondary player may trigger an        alert for the first secondary player. An alert may be sent to        the secondary player if the primary player was or is flagged for        any reason, such as being of interest to the first secondary        player. For example, the first secondary player may have        indicated that the primary player is the favorite player of the        secondary player. Thus, the first secondary player may wish to        be alerted any time the primary player is playing or will begin        playing so that the first secondary player may have the        opportunity to participate in the games of the first primary        player. An alert may be transmitted to a device of the second        secondary player, including a cell phone, personal digital        assistant, Blackberry®, laptop, personal computer, television,        and so on.        -   An alert may also be transmitted to the first second            secondary player under other triggering conditions. An alert            may be sent to the first secondary player if a primary            player of interest: (a) is playing a particular game (e.g.,            a favored game of the second secondary player); (b) has had            a streak, such as a winning streak or losing streak (e.g.,            the primary player has won 10 games in a row; e.g., the            primary player has lost games in a row); (c) the primary            player has won a certain amount (e.g., the primary player            has won more than $100); and so on. An alert may be sent to            the first secondary player based on similar triggering            conditions involving the second secondary player.    -   1.24. Embodiments disclosed herein need not apply only to casino        gaming. Rather, where applicable, disclosed embodiments may        apply to a wide variety of games, contests, sporting events,        random events, unknowns, and so on. Where applicable, disclosed        embodiments may apply to anything that may be the subject of a        bet. Disclosed embodiments may apply to table games, video        games, boxing matches, sporting events, the price movements of        equities, the price movement of bonds, the movements of other        market securities, the results of elections, the weather, the        temperature, the average test scores of a body of students, and        so on. For example, a secondary player may place a bet on        whether a stock price will go up or down in the next ten        minutes. Note that, in various embodiments, a primary player        need not be explicitly present. For example, a secondary player        may bet on the temperature a day in the future even though there        is no primary player per se who effects the temperature.    -   1.25. Embodiments described herein need not apply only to        complete games. Where applicable, embodiments described herein        may apply to events within games. For example, a secondary        player may bet on the next card that a primary player will        receive in a game. A secondary player may bet on the next roll        of the dice, on how many times a player will hit in a game of        blackjack, on the point total of the dealer's hand in a game of        blackjack, on the contents of a flop in a poker game of Texas        Hold'em, and so on. A secondary player may be alerted when        certain sequences of events have occurred. For example, a        secondary player may be alerted when the last ten cards dealt in        a game were red cards (i.e., hearts or diamonds). A secondary        player may view historical data about events within a game or        games. For example, the secondary player may examine historical        data about the number of times the number 12 has been rolled in        craps in the last 10 minutes.    -   1.26. A secondary playerjust watches a primary player. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may wish to watch the        play of a primary player, watch the games of a primary player,        watch the facial expressions of the primary player, follow the        strategies of the primary player, examine the historical results        of the primary player, or otherwise track the primary player.        The secondary player may wish to track the primary player        without betting or risking any money on the games of the primary        player. For example, a secondary player may wish to watch the        games of a primary player who is a celebrity. Simply watching        the celebrity player may provide entertainment for the secondary        player.        -   A secondary player may search for a primary player based on            any number of criteria, such as those mentioned above. A            secondary player may search for a primary player based on a            name (e.g., Ben Affleck); based on a demographic; based on a            celebrity status (e.g., a name that generates more than 1000            hits in a Google search); based on a typical amount bet            (e.g., a secondary player may search for any player who bets            more than $100 per game); based on a history of wins or            losses; based on strategies employed; based on facial            expressions (e.g., a computer algorithm may score the            expressiveness of a primary player's face and allow the            secondary player to search for the most expressive faces);            and/or based on any other criteria.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may pay a fee for            watching the games of primary players. A fee paid by the            secondary player may allow the casino to profit from the            secondary player even if the secondary player does not place            any bets. The secondary player may pay a fee per game            watched, per time period during which he watches, or based            on any other metrics. In various embodiments, the primary            player may receive a portion of the fee paid by the            secondary player.        -   In various embodiments, the primary player's permission must            be obtained before a secondary player may track the play of            the primary player.

-   2. Bet on a smaller aspect of someone else's game. For example, bet    on what the next card will be, what the next roll of the dice will    be, etc. In various embodiments, a person who does not directly    participate in a game at a casino may nevertheless place bets on    various events in the game. An event may include the rolling of a    die, the drawing of a card, the spinning of a roulette wheel, the    spinning of a reel of a slot machine, and so on. An event may come    to a resolution in the form of a number revealed on the top face of    a die, in the form of a rank or suit of a card drawn, in the form of    a number achieved at a roulette wheel, in the form of a symbol    appearing on a reel at a pay-line, and so on. An event may also    include a decision or action made by a player who is directly    involved in the game. For example, an event may include a player    making a decision to hit or stand in blackjack, a player making a    decision to bet or fold in poker, a player making a decision of    which prize door to choose in a bonus round of a slot machine game,    and so on. Such an event may come to a resolution in the form of an    actual decision made. For example, a resolution may include an    actual decision made by a player, such as “hit”, “draw”, or “fold”.    An event may include a dealer making a decision in a game. For    example, in a game of Pai Gow poker an event may include an    arranging of the dealer's seven cards into a two-card hand and a    five-card hand. The resolution of the event may take the form of an    actual five-card hand and an actual two-card hand that the dealer    has arranged.    -   As used herein, the term “payout odds” may refer to a statement        of an amount a player will receive, in the event of a win, per        amount bet. For example, 3:2 payout odds means that a player        will receive 3 units per 2 units bet (in addition to keeping his        original bet), provided the player wins the bet. It will be        understood that a payout ratio may be readily determined from        payout odds and vice versa via mathematical operations.        Therefore, it will be understood that embodiments described        herein using payout ratios could readily be performed with        payout odds, and vice versa.    -   For a given event, an appropriate set of payout ratios may be        determined. For example, if a secondary player is betting on a        two as the resolution of a roll of a six-sided die, the        secondary player may stand to win five times his initial wager        (a payout ratio of 5) if the two is in fact rolled. Note that        the player is assumed to give up his bet initially, so his net        profit would be 4 times his initial wager if a two occurs. A set        of payout ratios may be determined based on the inherent        probabilities of various possible resolutions of the event. In        the above example, the inherent probability of a two being        rolled is 1/6. Thus, a payout ratio of five seeks to provide the        player with a payout commensurate with the inverse of the        probability of the resolution that would be winning for the        player, while still allowing for a casino profit, on average.    -   Once the event has resolved, it may be determined whether the        secondary player has won. For example, suppose a secondary        player has bet that the next card dealt in a game of poker will        be the ace of spades. Once the next card has been dealt, it may        be determined whether the card is in fact the ace of spades, and        therefore whether the secondary player has won. If the secondary        player has won, the secondary player may be paid according to        the payout odds.    -   In various embodiments, an event on which a secondary player        bets does not constitute a complete game for the primary player        of the game. For example, a secondary player may bet on what the        next card will be in a game of video poker. However, the outcome        of the game of video poker is not solely based on the next card,        but rather is based on at least four other cards making up a        complete hand of poker. Thus, a primary player may place a bet        and may be paid based on his bet and based on the resolutions of        a first and a second event in a game. A secondary player may        place a bet on the same game and may be paid based on his bet        and based on only the resolution of the second event in the        game.    -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may be remote from        the game. For example, the primary player may participate in the        game while physically present at a slot machine, video poker        machine, table game, or other game location. However, the        secondary player may be remote from the primary player, such as        50 feet away, such as in a different room, such as in a        different building, such as in different city, and so on.    -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may bet on an event        in a game after the game has been completed. For example, the        secondary player may bet on an event in a game completed the        prior week. The events of the game may be unknown to the        secondary player, since the secondary player may not have been        observing or participating in the game when it was originally        played.    -   2.1. Betting interface. In various embodiments, a secondary        player may use a betting interface to make bets on events within        a game. The betting interface may be a graphical user interface,        and may include interactive features such as buttons,        microphones, touch areas, mice, keyboards, and any other        features for receiving designations of a secondary player's bet.        An exemplary betting interface is shown in FIG. 9. The betting        interface depicted in FIG. 9 includes an area where the names of        available primary players are listed. The secondary player may        elect to bet on events for the games played by these primary        players. Next to each primary player is listed an indication of        the last event resolution. For example, next to primary player        Robert Clemens is listed the J        , or the jack of spades. This indicates that in the most recent        event of Robert Clemens' game, the event being the dealing of a        card, the resolution to the event was that a jack of spades was        dealt. Next to Sue Baker is listed a “bar”. This indicates that        in the most recent event of Sue Baker's game, the event being        the random determination of a symbol to show in a viewing window        of a slot machine game, the resolution to the event was that a        bar occurred. In the case of TeeBone, the most recent card dealt        was the two of hearts. The betting interface depicted in FIG. 9        includes two game windows in which a secondary player may bet on        events within a game. In the game of TeeBone, the secondary        player has just bet $5 that the next card dealt in the game will        be a club. In the game of Sue Baker, two symbols have already        appeared in the viewing window of the slot machine game in which        Sue Baker is involved. The status of the game is such that the        secondary player may bet on the third symbol that is yet to come        in the same game of Sue Baker. The secondary player may use the        “Bet Menu” area of the screen to select a symbol to bet on. At        present, a “cherry” symbol appears in the Bet Menu area. The        secondary player may, however, scroll through additional symbols        in the menu and select (e.g., by touching three times in rapid        succession) a symbol on which to bet.    -   2.2. Determining pay tables. In various embodiments, payout        ratios may be determined for an event within a game. Payout        ratios may be based on the probability that a bet on the event        becomes a winning bet. Payout ratios may also be determined        based on a number of other factors. Payout ratios may be        displayed or otherwise presented for a secondary player. In some        embodiments, payout ratios are displayed in the form of a pay        table. The pay table may include a first column depicting        various possible resolutions of an event, and a second column        depicting the amount to be paid per amount wagered on each of        the possible resolutions.        -   2.2.1. Determining appropriate odds. In various embodiments,            payout ratios may be determined based on a desired average            amount to be won by a casino per bet received by the casino            (e.g., based on a desired house advantage), on a house            advantage of the game within which the event is occurring,            and/or based on jurisdictional rules pertaining to allowable            house advantages.            -   2.2.1.1. A desired house advantage. In various                embodiments, a casino may determine a desired house                advantage for a bet on an event in a game. It will be                appreciated that the casino may determine any number of                equivalent desired metrics, where such equivalent                metrics may be determined through deterministic                mathematical transformations of a house advantage. For                example, a casino may equivalently determine a desired                average amount that a player will win per unit wagered.                Exemplary house advantages may be 15%, 10%, and 5%. The                desired house advantage may be determined based on any                number of factors, including perceptions as to what                house advantages would be attractive to players while                still providing the casino with adequate profits.            -   2.2.1.2. Same as the gaming device. In various                embodiments, a house advantage for an event within a                game is determined based on the house advantage for the                game itself. For example, the house advantage for a bet                on an event in a game may be the same as for the house                advantage for a bet on the game. In various embodiments,                the house advantage for an event within a game may be                close, but not identical to the house advantage of the                game. For example, the house advantage of the event may                differ by 2 percentage points from the house advantage                of the game. Achieving identical house advantages may                not be practical due, for example, to a requirement for                integer payouts or to a limited number of possible                resolutions of an event (e.g., there are only 6                resolutions to the roll of a die).            -   2.2.1.3. Amount wagered. In various embodiments, the                house advantage for an event within a game may be                determined based on the amount bet on the event. In some                embodiment, the greater the amount bet, the less the                house advantage. This provides the player with an                incentive to bet more.            -   2.2.1.4. Jurisdiction minimum. In various embodiments,                laws, rules, policies, or other conventions may dictate                a maximum allowable house advantage for a gaming device.                Accordingly, a house advantage for an event may be                determined which is less than or equal to the maximum                allowable house advantage.        -   2.2.2. Player preferences affecting the pay table. In            various embodiments, an event in a game may have more than            two possible resolutions. For example, the rolling of a die            may have six possible resolutions, while the drawing of a            card from a deck may have 52 possible resolutions. Payout            ratios may be associated with each of the possible            resolutions. Thus, a pay table may be formed for the event,            where the pay table details payout ratios for one or more of            the possible resolutions. In various embodiments, it may be            possible to form many different pay tables for the same            event. Further, many different pay tables may result in the            same or similar house advantages. For example, a first pay            table for a roll of a die may provide a payout ratio of 5            for a roll of a 6, and a payout ratio of 0 for any other            roll. A second pay table for a roll of a die may provide a            payout ratio of 3 for a roll of 6, a payout ratio of 2 for a            roll of 5, and a payout ratio of 0 for any other roll. With            the first pay table, the player may expect to win 5 times            his wager with probability 1/6, yielding an expected payout            of 5/6 times his wager, which yields a house advantage of            (1−5/6)/1=16.67%. With the second pay table, the player may            expect to win 3 times his wager with probability 1/6, or two            times his wager with probability 1/6, yielding an expected            payout of 3/6+2/6=5/6. Thus, the second pay table has the            same house advantage of 16.67%.            -   2.2.2.1. Player selects pay tables from range of pay                tables. In various embodiments, a secondary player may                select among various possible pay tables to use for an                event. For example, when betting on the draw of a card,                a secondary player may choose a pay table which pays 48                times an initial wager only if an ace of spades is                drawn, or the secondary player may choose a pay table                which pays 12 times an initial wager if any ace is                drawn. In one embodiment, a secondary player may choose                between a pay table which provides a relatively high                payout with a relatively low probability and a pay table                which pays a lower payout or payouts, but with greater                probability. Over a set of repeated games, the former                pay table would tend to provide less frequent but                greater rewards, while the latter pay table would tend                to provide more frequent but smaller rewards. A                secondary player might therefore decide on his preferred                method of receiving rewards. A secondary player may be                given the opportunity to select among a range or                continuum of possible pay tables, each with                approximately the same house advantage, but each having                different maximum payouts and/or different frequencies                for providing payouts. A player may select a pay table                by selecting a maximum payout. Typically, though not                necessarily always, a pay table with a relatively higher                maximum payout ratio will tend to pay less frequently                than does a pay table with a relatively lower maximum                payout ratio. A player may also select a pay table based                explicitly on a payout frequency associated with a pay                table. In some embodiments, the player may adjust a                dial, where one limit on the dial is associated with a                pay table with one or more relatively high payouts and a                relatively low frequency of payout, and an opposite                limit of the dial is associated with a pay table with                one or more relatively low payouts and a relatively                higher frequency of payout.        -   2.2.3. Determining odds of a particular symbol in a slot            machine on a reel. In some embodiments, a player may bet on            the occurrence of a particular symbol or indicium during a            game. In some embodiments, the probability of occurrence of            a symbol may be determined. In some embodiments, the            probability of occurrence of a symbol at a particular            position may be determined. For example, the probability of            occurrence of a particular symbol in the first position            across a pay-line of a slot machine may be determined. The            determination of a probability of occurrence of a symbol or            of a symbol at a particular location may allow the            determination of a payout ratio that is commensurate with            the probability. For instance, if the probability is            determined to be lower, then the payout ratio may be set            relatively higher, and vice versa.            -   2.2.3.1. Monte Carlo. In some embodiments, the                probability of occurrence of a particular symbol may be                determined through a large number of trials, where each                trial may include the playing of a game, or a simulated                game. The game may be played at an actual gaming device,                at a table game, or on a computer executing game                software. The game may be played or run with actual                money at risk (e.g., in the form of bets) or with no                money at risk. For example, a game at a slot machine may                be played ten thousand times. A program may track                statistics of interest from the game, such as how often                a “cherry” symbol occurred in the first position of the                pay-line, how often a “bar” symbol occurred in general,                and so on. The probability that a symbol occurs at a                particular location on a pay-line may then be determined                as the number of trials in which the symbol occurred at                the particular location divided by the number of trials.                Analogously, the probability of any an event coming to a                particular resolution can be determined or estimated                through a large number of trials in which the event                occurs, and measuring the proportion of the trials in                which the particular resolution occurred.            -   2.2.3.2. Going through virtual pay table. In some                embodiments, the probability of occurrence of a                particular symbol at a particular location on a pay-line                may be deduced with reference to an internal algorithm                used by a gaming device for generating game outcomes. In                some embodiments, the algorithm used may employ one or                more “virtual reels”. A virtual reel may comprise a                table with one column of outcomes (e.g., a set of                symbols), and with one column of ranges of numbers, each                range of numbers corresponding to an outcome. A random                number generator may generate a random number. The                random number may then be matched to an outcome from the                virtual reels based on the range of numbers in which the                random number falls. Each outcome may thus be assumed to                have a probability of occurrence that is proportional to                the size of the corresponding range of numbers. For                example, an outcome with a corresponding range of                numbers of 100-299 is twice as likely to occur as an                outcome with a corresponding range of numbers of                300-399, since the first range includes 200 numbers that                may be generated by the random number generator, and the                second range includes only 100 numbers that may be                generated by the random number generator. With reference                to the virtual reel, the probability of occurrence of                each possible outcome may be determined. Then, the                probabilities of all outcomes which include a particular                symbol may be added up, thus yielding the probability of                the occurrence of that symbol in a game. The                probabilities of all outcomes which include a symbol in                a particular location may similarly be added to                determine the probability of occurrence of that symbol                at that particular location. For example, to determine                the probability that a “bell” symbol occurs at position                3 in an outcome, the probabilities of occurrence of all                outcomes containing the “bell” symbol at position 3 may                be added.        -   2.2.4. Odds of a particular card. In various embodiments,            the probability that a particular card will constitute the            resolution of a particular event may be determined as            follows. First, the number of unknown or unrevealed cards            may be determined. Unknown cards may include cards that have            not already been shown face-up in a game. Provided the card            of interest has not already been shown, the probability may            be determined to be equal to one divided by the number of            unknown cards.    -   2.3. Distinguishing between two dice. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may wish to place a bet that would have an        ambiguous resolution during conventional play of a game. For        example, a secondary player may wish to bet that a particular        die in a game of craps will show a six. However, the way craps        is often played conventionally, it may be difficult or        impossible to distinguish between the two dice used in a game.        Thus, once the two dice land following a roll, it might        conventionally be ambiguous as to which was the die that the        player bet on.        -   2.3.1. Distinguishing two otherwise similar objects. In            various embodiments, two or more similar objects used in the            play of a game may be made to appear distinct. In a game of            craps, two dice may be colored differently. For example, one            die may be colored green, while the other is colored red. In            this way, a secondary player would be able to bet on either            the red die or the green die without worry of an ambiguous            result. In a game with three dice, such as in Sic Bo, there            may be three dice of different colors. In a game of roulette            involving the use of two balls at once, the two balls may            include different patterned markings. A player may thereby            bet on, e.g., the striped ball or the spotted ball. In some            embodiments, two or more similar objects may be made            detectably distinct, even if the distinction cannot be made            visually. For instance, radio frequency identification            (RFID) tags may be placed in or on objects. Two dice with            different RFID tags inside them would be distinguishable by            an RFID tag reader from the differing signals coming from            the tags.        -   2.3.2. Bet that the lower die will be above two. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may place a bet on a            resolution of one of several events, in which the one event            becomes distinguishable only after all of the events have            been resolved. For example, a secondary player bets that the            higher of two dice rolled in a game of craps will show a 6.            In this example, two events may be deemed to occur, each            event constituting the rolling of a die. However, the actual            die a player is betting on becomes clear only after both            events have resolved. In other words, only after both dice            have been rolled and have come to rest can it be determined            which is the higher die. A secondary player may, in some            embodiments, bet on the lower of two dice, on the middle die            (e.g., in a game with three dice), on the roulette ball            showing the highest number, and so on. In various            embodiments, a secondary player's bet may comprise at least            two parts. The first part may be a method to distinguish            between two or more events to determine which of the two or            more events the secondary player is betting on. The second            part may be an indication of what will constitute a winning            or losing resolution for the secondary player. For example,            suppose that a secondary player bets that the higher of two            dice will show a five. The first part of the bet is a way to            distinguish the rolling of one die from the rolling of the            other die, and indicating which of the now distinct events            the secondary player has bet on. The second part of the bet            indicates that a winning resolution will be for the die that            the player has bet on to show a five.        -   2.3.3. Specify a position of a card. For example, the third            card drawn is the Ace of spades. In some embodiments, in            order to clarify the specific event that a secondary player            is betting on, a position, location, sequence number, or            other clarification may be specified. For example, rather            than betting that “a” card will be an ace of spades, a            secondary player may bet that “the third card dealt” will be            an ace of spades. In a game of video poker, a secondary            player may bet that a card in a specified position in a            video poker hand (e.g., the fourth card in the final hand),            will be of a certain rank and suit. In a game of a            blackjack, a secondary player may bet, for example, on the            first card dealt to a player, the second card dealt to a            player, the third card dealt to a player, etc. The secondary            player may also bet, for example, on the first card dealt to            the dealer, the second card dealt to the dealer, etc. The            player may also specify an event by means of an orientation.            For example, in a game of blackjack, the secondary player            may bet on the dealer card that is face down, or on the            dealer card that is face up.    -   2.4. Receive aids in your prediction. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may be provided with data, hints, or other aids        in making bets on an event in a game. Data may include        historical data relevant to the game at hand. For example, if a        secondary player is to bet on the decision that will be made by        a primary player, data about the decision of the primary player        in prior games might aid the secondary player in his bet.        -   2.4.1. The sequence of what occurred in the past. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be shown or otherwise            provided with data from games or events within games that            were played prior to the game that includes the event on            which the secondary player is betting. The data may help the            secondary player to choose a resolution of the event which            will constitute a winning resolution. A secondary player who            is to bet on a particular event in a particular game played            by a particular primary player may be shown data about other            events that have occurred. Other events may include events            that have occurred: (a) in games played by the same            particular primary player; (b) in games under similar            circumstances to those which are present in the particular            game (e.g., the same initial two cards occurred in a prior            game of blackjack as have in the particular game, and the            particular event of interest is the dealing of the third            card in the particular game); (c) in games played at the            same gaming device that the particular game is or was played            at; (d) in the recent past (e.g., events that have occurred            in the five minutes prior to the time that the secondary            player bets on the particular event); (e) just prior to when            the particular event originally occurred (e.g., events            occurring in games that had been played in the five minutes            prior to the particular game); (f) in games played at the            same gaming device that the particular game is or was played            at, where such games constitute a sequence of games that            immediately preceded the particular game (e.g., such games            were the five games played before the particular game);            and (g) in games played by the same particular primary            player, where such games constitute a sequence of games that            the primary player played immediately preceding the            particular game.        -   2.4.2. What would perfect strategy be here? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with an            indication of a decision that would be made according to            some strategy. For example, if a secondary player is betting            on the decision that will be made by a primary player in a            game of blackjack, the secondary player may be shown what            decision would be made using Basic Strategy (i.e., the            strategy used to maximize expected winnings without any            special knowledge of what cards have already been dealt).            For example, the secondary player may be told that the            proper decision according to Basic Strategy is for the            primary player to hit. As another example, if a secondary            player is betting on what cards will be discarded by a            primary player in a game of video poker, the secondary            player may be told which combination of discards would            maximize the expected winnings for the primary player. In            various embodiments, the secondary player may be told what            decision would be made according to a strategy that is not a            perfect or optimal strategy. For example, a secondary player            might be told which decision would be made according to a            strategy that aims for the highest payout in a game.        -   2.4.3. What has this player done in similar situations? In            various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with            an indication of what decisions a primary player has made in            situations which are similar to the situation of the game in            which the secondary player is participating. Games in which            a primary player was in a similar situation may include            games in which the primary player: (a) had the same            cards; (b) had the same point total (e.g., in a game of            blackjack); (c) had the same hand ranking (e.g., in a game            of poker); (d) had the same sequence of initial events            (e.g., in a game of craps, the primary player had the same            three initial rolls as he does in the game situation under            consideration); (e) was in the same seat position (e.g., the            primary player was just to the left of the dealer); (f)            faced the same opponent or opponents; (g) was at the same            gaming device; (h) faced the same bet or bets from opponents            (e.g., in a game of poker, the primary player may have faced            the same bets that he does at present); and so on. Games in            which the primary player was in a similar situation may            include games in which the dealer had a similar hand (e.g.,            in a game of blackjack, the dealer had the same card            showing), or games in which an opponent of the primary            player had a similar card to what the primary player's            opponent has in the game under consideration. In some            embodiments, the secondary player may be provided with an            indication of what the primary player did in games with            similar external contexts, such as games played at the same            time of day, games played at the same table, games played at            the same casino, games played just after a big loss for the            primary player, and so on.        -   2.4.4. What cards have been dealt already? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with an            indication of what cards have already been dealt in a game.            For example, in a game of blackjack, the secondary player            may be told what cards have been dealt from a deck in prior            games where the deck was used. If, for example, the            secondary player thinks the primary player has been counting            cards, the secondary player may use information about prior            cards dealt in order to predict the reaction by the primary            player to the card count. In a game of poker, the secondary            player may have the opportunity to view cards that have been            dealt, e.g., as part of an initial hand. Looking at the            cards of the initial hand may then help the secondary player            to better predict a primary player's decision.        -   2.4.5. The secondary player is provided with a probability.            In various embodiments, a secondary player may be provided            with the probability of a particular resolution to an event.            For example, if the secondary player is betting on the roll            of a die, the secondary player may be told that the            probability of a six being rolled is 1/6.        -   2.4.6. Regulatory requirements for hints. In various            embodiments, regulations may dictate whether or not a hint            must be provided. In some embodiments, regulations may            dictate that the probability of a resolution be provided. In            some embodiment, regulations may require that a secondary            player be given a probability that an event comes to a            particular resolution if there would be no way for the            secondary player to know such a probability. For example,            while it is possible for a secondary player to know the            probability that a 6-sided die will land in a certain way, a            secondary player may have no way of knowing that a reel of a            slot machine will display a certain symbol since the reel            may be controlled by a secret algorithm. In some            embodiments, regulations may dictate that a hint not mislead            a secondary player. For example, in game of video poker, a            hint inform a secondary player of a decision that would be            made by a primary player using a particular strategy.            However, the strategy may not be a strategy that would            typically be employed by any player, and thus the hint would            not likely give the secondary player the proper direction.            In some embodiments, regulations may dictate the form in            which a hint must be provided. Regulations may require that            a hint be given in multiple languages. Regulations might            require that a player have the option of which language will            be used to view the hint.        -   2.4.7. Form of hints (for example, secondary players are            simply not allowed to make certain bets). In some            embodiments, a hint may take the form of preventing a            secondary player from making certain bets. Such bets may be            disadvantageous for the secondary player or for the casino.            For example, a graphical user interface may display options            for what resolutions the secondary player can bet on. In a            game of blackjack, such options may include a “hit” option            for betting that a primary player will hit, a “stand” option            for betting that a primary player will stand, and a “double            down” option for betting that a primary player will double            down. If the primary player has been dealt an initial hand            with a point total of 10, then the “stand” option may be            grayed out such that the secondary player cannot bet that            the primary player will stand. This is because it would make            no sense for the primary player to stand when the primary            player can hit, increase his point total, and have no risk            of busting.    -   2.5. Setting the odds on an event. In some embodiments, the        casino may set the payout odds on an event by reference to        historical data. Historical data may be used to arrive at a        probability of a resolution of an event. For example, historical        data may be used to determine the probability with which a        primary player will make a particular decision in a game. This        probability may be used, in turn, to provide payout odds to a        secondary player who wants to bet that the primary player will        make the particular decision.        -   2.5.1. Data not including the current game. In some            embodiments, the casino may use data from historical games            of primary players in order to determine a probability that            a primary player will make a particular decision. For            example, the casino may examine a set of historical games in            which various primary players had hands with 16 points            against a dealer's 10 points showing. The casino may            determine the number of primary players who hit and the            number of primary players who stood in order to arrive an            estimated probability for what a primary player will do in a            particular game under consideration. For example, the casino            may look at 100 historical games and may find that 45 times            the primary player hit, and 55 times the primary player            stood. Thus, the casino may determine that there is a 45%            chance that a primary player will hit and a 55% chance that            a primary player will stand under a similar situation. Once            the casino has an estimate of the probabilities of various            outcomes, the casino may set payout odds in order to create            a positive house advantage. For example, in the            aforementioned example, the casino may set payout odds of            1:1 if the secondary player bets on “hit”, and 3:4 odds if            the secondary player bets on stand. In various embodiments,            historical data may include data about historical games of            the primary player who is involved in the particular game in            question. For example, to determine the probability that a            particular primary player will make a decision, the casino            may look at historical data for that primary player.        -   2.5.2. Data including the current game. In some embodiments,            payout odds may be set for a game based on a set of games            which include that game. For example, the casino may use a            set of games that include X (e.g., 1000) games in which a            player had a pair of nines and the dealer showed an 8 in a            game of blackjack. The casino may determine how many times            the player with the nines split, and how many times the            player just stood. The casino may thus know, with certainty,            the probability that the nines would be split and the            probability that the primary player would stand for a game            randomly selected from the set of X games. Accordingly, the            casino could then set payout odds for a bet on standing and            a bet on splitting. The casino could set such payout odds in            order to create a positive house advantage. The casino may            then allow a secondary player to bet on a decision of a            primary player in a game from the set of 1000 games, such as            from a randomly selected game of the set of 1000 games.    -   2.6. Bet on a random action in the game. In various embodiments,        a secondary player may bet on the resolution of any desired        event. For example, in a table game of craps, the secondary        player may bet that one die will bounce off the table. In a game        of poker, the secondary player may bet that one of the primary        players will throw his cards, that a primary player will get        ejected from the game, that a primary player will bet out of        order, or that any other resolution to an event will occur. In        some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on any resolution        that is external to the normal play of a game. For example, the        secondary player may bet that a player will spill a drink at a        gaming table.    -   2.7. Bet on a particular sub-outcome. There are many events on        which a secondary player may bet. For each event, there may be        one or more resolutions on which the secondary player may bet.        -   2.7.1. blackjack. In a game of blackjack a secondary player            may bet on: (a) the rank or suit of a particular card, such            as the first, second, third, etc. player card or the first,            second, third, etc. dealer card; (b) a decision that will be            made by a primary player (e.g., hit, stand); (c) a decision            that will be made by a dealer; (d) whether a primary player            will bust; (e) whether a dealer will bust; (f) whether the            primary player will receive two identical cards; (g) whether            the primary player will receive two or more cards of the            same suit; (h) whether two primary players in a game receive            the same cards; (i) a starting point total for a primary            player; (j) a starting point total for a dealer; (k) whether            a primary player's ending point total will fall within a            particular range; and so on.        -   2.7.2. Roulette. In a game of roulette, a secondary player            may bet on (a) red; (b) black; (c) a particular number; (d)            a particular range of numbers; (e) the occurrence of a            number in a particular sector of a wheel; (f) an amount that            a primary player will bet; (g) a number that a primary            player will bet on; (h) green; and so on.        -   2.7.3. Slot machines. In a slot machine game a secondary            player may bet on: (a) the occurrence of a symbol on a            reel; (b) the occurrence of a set of symbols on a set of            reels (e.g., the secondary player bets that the first reel            will show a “bar” and the second reel will show a            “lemon”); (c) whether a bonus round will be reached; (d) the            level of a bonus round that will be reached; (d) a decision            that a primary player will make in a bonus round; (e) a            resolution of a bonus round (e.g., how much money the            primary player will win from the bonus round); (f) the            amount that the primary player will bet; (g) the number of            pay-lines that the primary player will bet; (h) the number            of pay-lines that will win, and so on.        -   2.7.4. Card Games. In a card game, such as a game of poker,            a secondary player may bet on: (a) the occurrence of a            particular card in a hand of cards; (b) the occurrence of a            particular combination of cards in a hand of cards (e.g.,            the occurrence of a pair); (c) an order in which cards are            dealt (e.g., the secondary player may bet that each card            dealt will have a higher rank than the last card dealt); (d)            a position in which a card will be dealt (e.g., an ace will            be dealt as the first card in a player's hand; and so on.            -   2.7.4.1. Poker. In a game of poker, a secondary player                may bet on what bets will be made by primary players in                the game. A secondary player may bet on whether a bet                will be a check, call, bet, raise, or fold; on how much                a primary player will bet; on how many callers there                will be for a bet or raise; on how many times a pot will                be raised; on how many rounds of betting there will be;                on how many players will be all-in; and so on. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the total                size of a pot. In some embodiments, a secondary player                may bet on whether there will be a tie. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the size of a                side-pot.        -   2.7.5. Dice Games. In a game of dice, a secondary player may            bet on one roll of the dice. For example, the secondary            player may bet that two dice rolled will total to 12. In a            game of Sic Bo, a player may bet that one of the three dice            rolled will show a 4.    -   2.8. Bet on length of the game. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may bet on the length of a game.        -   2.8.1. Time. A secondary player may bet on the time that a            game will last. A game may be counted to start when a            primary player makes a bet, when a first random event occurs            in a game, when a first card is dealt, when a first roll of            the dice is made, when a first player decision is made, and            so on. A game may be counted to end when a payout is made,            when a player's bet is collected, when a last random outcome            is generated, when objects used in a game are collected            (e.g., when cards are collected), when a payout is            announced), or when a subsequent game starts.        -   2.8.2. Number of cards required. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may bet on the number of cards that will be            dealt in a game. A secondary player may bet on the number of            cards that will be dealt to a particular hand (e.g., to a            player hand in blackjack; e.g., to a dealer hand in            blackjack); or to a particular combination of hands (e.g.,            to the hands of both the player and the dealer; e.g., to            three players in a game of blackjack). A secondary player            may bet on the number of cards that will be dealt as common            cards. For example, regarding a game of Texas Hold'em, the            secondary player may bet that all five common cards will be            dealt. In other words the secondary player may bet that at            least two people will remain in the game until the fifth            common card is dealt.        -   2.8.3. Number of rolls of dice required. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of            rolls of dice that will occur in a game. For example, a            secondary player may bet that there will be seven rolls of            dice in a game of craps. In other words, the secondary            player may bet that the primary player will set a point and            then take six additional rolls to either roll the point            number again or achieve a seven.        -   2.8.4. Number of bonus round levels reached. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of            levels that a primary player will reach in a bonus round,            e.g., in a bonus round of a slot machine game. A bonus round            may have a plurality of separate levels. If a primary player            does well in earlier levels, e.g., by correctly choosing the            location of hidden treasures, the primary player may make it            to later levels. However, if the primary player does poorly            in earlier levels, the primary player may not reach later            levels. Thus, the number of levels reached in a bonus round            may be effectively random. In some embodiments, a secondary            player may bet on the number of spaces a character will            advance on a game board in a bonus round. For example,            regarding a bonus round in a game of Monopoly®, a secondary            player may bet on the number of spaces that a game character            will traverse on the game board. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may bet on the space or spaces on which a            game character will land in a game. For example, a secondary            player may bet that a game character will land on Boardwalk            in a game of Monopoly®.    -   2.9. Bet on a different game within the game. E.g., bet on poker        within blackjack. In some embodiments, a secondary player may        bet on the occurrence of an outcome from a first game, but in        the context of a second game. For example, a secondary player        may bet that a primary player who is involved in a game of        blackjack will receive cards that create a poker hand which is        three-of-a-kind. In a game of Sic-bo, a secondary player may bet        that two of three dice used will form a winning roll in a game        of craps.    -   2.10. Bet on the order in which people will remain in the game.        Various games include multiple primary players. In some        multi-player games, players may be eliminated or may drop out of        the games. For example, in a game of poker, players may drop out        of the game as they fold. In various embodiments, a secondary        player may bet on the manner in which primary players are        eliminated.        -   2.10.1. Who will be the first one out? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on which primary            player will be the first primary player eliminated. A            secondary player may bet on who will be the second primary            player eliminated, the third primary player eliminated, or            who will be the primary player eliminated in any other spot.        -   2.10.2. Who will be the last two standing? In various            embodiments, the secondary player may bet on which primary            player will be the last one remaining. The secondary player            may bet on who will be the second to last primary player            remaining, who will be the third to last remaining, and so            on. The secondary player may bet on who will be the last two            primary players remaining. In various embodiments, the            secondary player may bet on any combination of primary            players and on any combination of places (e.g., last, second            to last) in which primary players are eliminated. The            secondary player may win the bet if the designated            combination of primary players was eliminated in the            designated combination of places. A secondary player may bet            that a particular three primary players will be the last            three remaining, regardless of the order in which they are            eliminated after the final three. In some embodiments, the            secondary player may bet not only that a particular group of            primary players will be the last three remaining, but also            on the order in which the last three will be eliminated            (e.g., players A, B, and C will be the last three, player A            will be the last, and player B will be the second to last            remaining).        -   2.10.3. Who will be the three in after the flop? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the number of            primary players that will be remaining in a game at a            certain point in the game. For example, a secondary player            may bet on the number of primary players that will be            remaining by the flop in a game of Texas Hold'em poker, or            by fifth street in a game of seven-card stud poker. A            secondary player may bet on how many primary players will be            remaining in a game after X number of cards have been dealt            in the game, regardless of whom the cards have been dealt            to. A secondary player may bet that a particular primary            player will remain in a game at a certain point in the game.            For example, a secondary player may bet that primary player            Joe Smith will be remaining in the game after the flop.        -   2.10.4. Which three people won't bust? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a combination of            people who will bust in a game of blackjack. For example, a            secondary player may bet that, of a particular group of            three primary players in a game of blackjack, all will bust.            A secondary player may bet that one player will not bust. A            secondary player may bet that of a group of primary players,            none will bust during a game.    -   2.11. Bet on what the primary player himself will do. In some        embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a decision that will        be made by a primary player in a game.        -   2.11.1. The primary player will hit here. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a decision that a            primary player will make in a game of blackjack. A secondary            player may bet that a primary player will do one or more of            the following: (a) hit; (b) stand; (c) surrender; (d)            split; (e) double down; (f) take insurance.        -   2.11.2. The primary player will draw to the flush. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a strategy that a            primary player will employ in a game of video poker. The            strategy may be specified with a specification of which            cards a primary player will discard. For example, the            secondary player may specify that the primary player will            discard the first, third, and fourth cards from a starting            hand. In some embodiments, the secondary player may specify            one or more cards that will be discarded while not excluding            the possibility that additional cards might be discarded.            For example, the secondary player may specify that the            primary player will discard the second card in his hand. The            secondary player may then win his bet if the primary player            discards the second card, regardless of other cards that the            primary player might discard. A secondary player may specify            the strategy of a primary player in terms of a goal            attributable to the strategy. For example, the secondary            player might specify that the primary player will “draw to a            flush” or “draw to a straight”.        -   2.11.3. How much will the primary player bet? In some            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the amount that a            primary player will bet. For example, the secondary player            may bet that a primary player will bet $5 in a slot machine            game. For example, the secondary player may bet that the            primary player will raise by $25 in a game of poker.        -   2.11.4. What bet will the primary player make? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a particular bet            that a primary player will make in a game. For example, in a            game of craps, there are many possible bets that a primary            player can make, including a pass bet a don't pass bet, an            “any seven” bet, an “any eleven” bet, a “horn bet”, and so            on. The secondary player may bet on which of these, or other            possible bets, the primary player will make.        -   2.11.5. Which pay-lines will the primary player activate? In            various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on whether            or not a primary player will bet on a particular pay-line at            a gaming device. For example, a gaming device may have three            pay-lines. A secondary player may bet that the primary            player will bet on the third pay line.        -   2.11.6. Bet on primary players' heart rate, breathing, and            other bio signatures. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may bet on a vital sign of a primary player. The            secondary player may bet on the heart rate, breathing rate,            blood pressure, skin conductivity, body temperature, pupil            dilation, muscle tension, or any other indicator tied to the            primary player. For example, the secondary player may bet            that the peak heart rate of a primary player will be 120            during a game of poker. For example, a secondary player may            bet that a primary player will take 5 breaths in the next            minute. The secondary player, by betting on the vital signs            of a primary player, may indirectly bet on the stress level            of a game and/or the primary player's response to stressful            stimuli.        -   2.11.7. When will the primary player stop playing? Now?            After five games? In various embodiments, a secondary player            may bet on the length of a playing session of a primary            player. The length may be measured in terms of time, the            number of games played, the number of bets made, the number            of cards dealt during a session, the number of times dice            are rolled, or in terms of any other metric. For example, a            secondary player may bet that a primary player will play            five more games before quitting. For example, a secondary            player may bet that a primary player will play for 40 more            minutes before quitting. A session may be defined as having            ended after: (a) a primary player has stopped playing for X            amount of time; (b) a primary player has left the location            of a game; (c) a primary player has cashed out; (d) a            primary player has exchanged chips for money; (e) a primary            player has run out of money; and so on.        -   2.11.8. What drink will the primary player order? In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a service that            the primary player will receive. A secondary player may bet            on a drink a primary player will order, on the type of food            the primary player will order, on the price of a primary            player's food or drink, on the amount that a primary player            will tip a casino representative, and so on.        -   2.11.9. How many pulls will the primary player complete in            an hour? In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet            on the speed with which a primary player plays. A secondary            player may bet on: (a) the number of handle pulls that a            primary player makes in an hour or in any period of            time; (b) the time between two handle pulls; (c) the time            between the start of two games of blackjack; (d) the time            between the placing of a bet in a game and the time of the            provision of a payout; and so on.        -   2.11.10. Any combination of what primary players will do.            For example, five primary players split. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet on any combination            of decisions that will be made by primary players in a game.            For example, a secondary player may bet that at least 3            primary players will split in a game of blackjack; a            secondary player may bet that a particular group of three            primary players will split in a game of blackjack; a            secondary player may bet that exactly three primary players            in a game of blackjack will hit and that exactly one will            split; and so on. Regarding a game of poker, a secondary            player may bet that exactly two primary player will call a            particular bet. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may bet that certain decisions will or will not be made            without regard to who makes the decisions. For example,            regarding a game of poker, a secondary player may bet that            one primary player will bet and that three primary players            will call, without specifying which primary players will be            the ones to bet and call. The secondary player may win his            bet if any primary player bets and if any three primary            players call.    -   2.12. Bet only on the third pay-line. Unlike the primary player,        the secondary player does not have to bet on pay-lines 1 and 2        before betting on pay-line 3. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may bet on an event in isolation on which the        primary player was not allowed to bet in isolation. For example,        the secondary player may bet on only the third pay-line of a        slot machine. However, the primary player may have been required        to bet on the first and second pay-lines at the slot machine        before he could bet on the third pay-line. In a game of craps, a        secondary player may be allowed to make an odds bet even without        making a pass-line bet. Often, a primary player must first make        a pass-line bet before making an odds bet.    -   2.13. Bet on what ad shows on the gaming device. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may bet on an advertisement that        will be displayed on a gaming device. In various embodiments, a        gaming device may display an advertisement. In various        embodiments, a gaming device may display an advertisement        occasionally or periodically. An advertisement may be displayed        at random or according to a schedule that is unknown to the        secondary player. Accordingly, the secondary player may bet on        what advertisement will be shown at a gaming device. For        example, a secondary player may bet that an advertisement for        vitamin water will be displayed on a gaming device. An        advertisement may take the form of text, a still image, a video,        or any other output that serves to promote a product or service,        either directly or indirectly. A secondary player may specify a        bet on an advertisement by specifying the product that will be        promoted. For example, a secondary player may specify that        Triscuit crackers will be advertised. A secondary player may        specify a bet in terms of a general product category, such as        crackers or snack foods. A secondary player may specify a bet on        an advertisement by specifying a brand for a product or a name        of a manufacturer for a product. In some embodiments, a        secondary player may specify a bet on an advertisement through a        multiple choice selection, where the secondary player may        specify from among multiple possible different products to bet        on. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the time        until the next advertisement. In some embodiments, a secondary        player may bet on when the next advertisement for a particular        product will be.    -   2.14. Combine sub-outcomes from several games to form larger        outcomes. In some embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the        outcome of a game which is created synthetically using events        from more than one game. For example, synthetic game may be        created for the secondary player using a first set of cards that        was dealt in a first game for a primary player, and a second set        of cards that was dealt in a second game for the primary player.        As another example, a synthetic game may be created using a        first roll of two dice from a first craps game, and a second        roll of two dice from a second craps game. As another example, a        synthetic slot machine game may be created using the symbol        appearing on reel 1 in a first game, the symbol appearing on        reel 2 in a second game, and the symbol appearing on reel 3 in a        third game. If, for example, all three symbols are “cherry”,        then the secondary player may be paid as if all three cherries        had occurred on the same spin on adjacent reels.    -   2.15. Bet on a machine malfunction, or coin refill. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may bet on the occurrence of a        machine malfunction. For example, a secondary player may bet        that a machine will malfunction within the next hour. In various        embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a gaming device        will need a coin refill. For example, the secondary player may        bet that a gaming device will need a coin refill within the next        10 minutes.        -   Embodiments described herein with respect to complete games            or outcomes may similarly apply to events within a game. For            example, just as a secondary player may search for games            having particular characteristics, a secondary player may            search for events within a game having particular            characteristics, or a secondary player may search for games            with particular characteristics so as to bet on events            within such games. A secondary player may search for            particular primary players and bet on events within the            games of such primary players.        -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may seek to view            historical or current games. The secondary player may desire            to participate in the games. The secondary player may, in            some embodiments, perform a search for games which satisfy a            first set of criteria. For example a secondary player may            search for games which were played by a particular primary            player. The search may yield a plurality of games. The games            may then be sorted using a second set of criteria. The            plurality of games may be sorted according to: (a) the time            at which the games were played (e.g., the games may be            sorted from the most recently played to the one played the            furthest in the past); (b) the amounts won in the games            (e.g., the games may be sorted from the game with the            highest payout to the game with the lowest payout); (c) the            amounts bet on the games; (d) the rankings of hands dealt in            the games (e.g., games of poker may be sorted according to            the poker ranking of the initial hand; e.g., games of            blackjack may be sorted according to the point total of the            final hand); (e) the results of the games (e.g., the primary            player won; e.g., the dealer won); (f) the initial number            rolled on a die in each game of the games; (g) the location            in which the games were played (e.g., games may be sorted            according to the floor in the casino where the games were            played); (h) the name of the gaming devices on which the            games were played (e.g., games may be sorted such that the            gaming devices on which the games were played are in            alphabetical order); (i) the name of the primary players who            initially played the games; (j) the number of secondary            players who participated in each of the games; and so on.        -   Any physical game described herein may be implemented            electronically in various embodiments. For example,            embodiments pertaining to the play of blackjack at a            physical card table may pertain as well to a game of            blackjack played over an electronic network. For example, a            primary player may play blackjack using a video blackjack            device. As another example, a primary player may play            blackjack over the Internet. A secondary player may bet on            the outcomes of the game of the primary player and/or on            events within the game of the primary player.        -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate            in the game of a primary player, but take the game in a            different direction from the direction in which the primary            player took the game. For example, the primary player may be            involved in a game which requires a decision on the part of            the primary player. The primary player may make a first            decision in the game. The secondary player, meanwhile, may            be participating in the game, but may prefer a different            decision from the decision made by the primary player. Thus,            the secondary player may have the opportunity to complete            the game in a different fashion than does the primary            player. For example, the outcome based on which the            secondary player is paid may be different from the outcome            based on which the primary player is paid. Note that the            secondary player may participate in a game after the primary            player has participated in the game. Thus, the secondary            player may participate in a historical game. The secondary            player may, nevertheless, seek to take a different direction            in the game than what happened in the original game.        -   The following is an example of some embodiments. A primary            player begins play of a game of blackjack. The primary            player is dealt a nine and a three as his initial hand. The            dealer shows a two face up. The primary player decides to            hit. The primary player is dealt a ten and therefore busts            because his point total is now 22. The secondary player,            prior to seeing the ten which was dealt to the primary            player, decides he would rather stand than hit. At this            point, the casino server determines what would have happened            had the primary player stood. The casino server may then            play the dealer's hand, or at least a simulated version of            the dealer's hand. The casino server may reveal the dealer's            down card to be a 10, providing the dealer with an initial            point total of 12. The casino server may then make a hit            decision on behalf of the dealer. The casino server may then            deal a 10 to the dealer (the same 10 that had gone to the            primary player before). The dealer then busts, and the            secondary player wins. Thus, both the primary player and the            secondary player have started from the same game. However,            the primary player and the secondary player have taken the            game in different directions by making different decisions            at a juncture in the game. As a result, the primary player            has lost but the secondary player has won.

-   3. In various embodiments, a secondary player may replay and/or redo    some aspect of a game of a primary player.    -   3.1. A secondary player may redo a game knowing different        information from what the primary player knew. When facing a        decision in a game, a primary player may have a given amount of        information available to him. For example, in a game of        blackjack, a primary player facing a decision to “hit”, “stand”,        “double down”, “split” or “surrender”, may know his own two        cards and one of the dealer cards. However, the primary player        may not know other potentially valuable information, such as the        dealer's face-down card, or the next card to be dealt at the top        of the deck. In various embodiments, a secondary player        participating in the game of a primary player may have access to        additional information that the primary player does not or did        not have at the time the primary player originally plays or        played the game.        -   3.1.1. Know the cards yet to come. In various embodiments, a            secondary player participating in the game of a primary            player may be presented with information about a card that            was unknown to the primary player at the same juncture in            the game. For example, a secondary player participating in a            game of video poker may be presented with information about            the next card to be dealt in the deck. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be presented with            information about a card: (a) in the dealer's hand; (b) in            an opponent's hand (e.g., in the hand of an opponent in a            game of Texas Hold'em); (c) in another primary player's hand            (e.g., in the hand of another primary player in a game of            blackjack in embodiments where primary player hands are not            dealt completely face up); (d) that was burned; (e) that            will not be dealt (e.g., a card at the bottom of a deck of            cards may have no chance of being dealt in a game); (f) that            is unlikely to be dealt (e.g., a card that is in the middle            of a deck may be unlikely to be dealt in a game); and so on.            Information about a card may include information about a            suit of the card, and information about a rank of a card.            For example, a secondary player may be told that a card is a            heart, or that a card is not a spade. For example, a            secondary player may be told that a card is a 10-point value            card (e.g., in a game of blackjack). For example, a            secondary player may be told that a card's rank is between            two and six, or that a card is not a seven. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be told the exact rank            and suit of a card, such as a queen of diamonds.        -   3.1.2. Know the primary player made a losing decision. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may be given            information about the consequences of a primary player's            decision in a game. For example, the secondary player may be            told that the primary player's decision resulted in the            primary player losing a game. For example, if a primary            player in a game of blackjack decided to hit and busted, a            secondary player may be told that the primary player's            decision led to the primary player busting. A secondary            player may be told that a primary player's decision did not            achieve the best possible outcome of a game. Even if a            primary player's decision led to a winning outcome, the            secondary player may still be told that the primary player's            decision did not lead to the best possible outcome. For            example, in a game of video poker, if a primary player drew            three cards and made a three-of-a-kind, the primary player            may have had the potential to draw three cards in a            different way and to make a straight-flush. Thus, the            primary player may not have obtained the best outcome that            he could of. Of course, the primary player may have made the            correct decision from his point of view since he did not            know that he would have been able to successfully draw to            the straight-flush. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may be informed of the relative merits of the primary            player's decision or strategy in relation to other possible            decisions or strategies. For example, regarding a game of            video poker, a secondary player may be told that the primary            player made the second best possible decision in terms of            what outcomes the primary player could have achieved. In            various embodiments, the secondary player may be told the            merits of a primary player's decision or strategy assuming            the primary player had perfect information about what the            results of the various decisions or strategies would be. In            some embodiments, the primary player will not have or have            had perfect information about the consequences of his            decisions, so that pronouncements on the merits of the            primary player's decisions would not necessarily indicate            that the primary player made a bad or wrong decision. In            some embodiments, a secondary player may be provided with an            indication of the merits of a strategy or decision, whether            or not the primary player chose such a decision or strategy.            For example, in some embodiments, a secondary player may be            told that a particular strategy is a good strategy but not            the best possible strategy. For example, a secondary player            may be told that a particular strategy is a losing strategy.            In various embodiments, the casino may have knowledge about            cards that would be unknown to the secondary player in a            game. Thus, the casino may be able to inform the secondary            player based on such knowledge and thereby provide useful            strategy recommendations to the secondary player without            explicitly sharing the knowledge.    -   3.2. A secondary player may redo a game with the same ordering        of a deck of cards, or with a different ordering. In various        embodiments, the consequences of all possible primary player        decisions are determined in advance, e.g., at the beginning of a        game or prior to a decision of a primary player. For example, in        a game of video poker, the shuffling and ordering of a deck of        cards before a game serves to determine the consequences of any        decision the primary player may make in a game. For example, the        shuffling leads to a particular order of the deck such that any        new cards that the primary player may decide to draw can be        determined deterministically by dealing cards from the top of        the deck. In various embodiments, the consequences of all        combinations of primary player decisions in a game may be        determined in advance. For example, in a game of blackjack, the        shuffling of a deck before a game may place the cards to be        dealt to primary players in a deterministic order. Thus, for a        given set of primary player decisions (and given rules dictating        what decisions must be made by the dealer), an outcome of the        game for each set of primary player decisions may be determined        deterministically from the ordering of cards in the deck. In        various embodiments, the symbols that will be revealed on each        reel of slot machine are determined in advance and prior to the        revelation of even a single symbol. For example, the symbol that        will be revealed on the third reel of a slot machine may be        determined even before the symbol on the first reel of the slot        machine is revealed. In various embodiments, the advanced        determination of all possible consequences of a primary player's        decision may or may not also apply to a possible alternate        decision by a secondary player. In various embodiments, the        advanced determination of one or more symbols in a game may or        may not apply to the secondary player prior to the revelation of        the symbols to the primary player or to the secondary player.        -   3.2.1. Same ordering. In various embodiments, the advanced            determination of all possible consequences of a primary            player's decision may apply in the same way to the possible            consequences of a secondary player's decision. In other            words, suppose the primary player is or has played a game,            and the secondary player is participating in the game. At a            given juncture in the game, a particular decision by the            secondary player (e.g., “hit”) will have the same            consequences for the secondary player as the same particular            decision made by the primary player would have for the            primary player. For example, a decision by the secondary            player to “hit” would result in the secondary player being            dealt a four of diamonds. Likewise, a decision by the            primary player to hit would result in the primary player            being dealt the four of diamonds. It should be noted that            for the primary player and the secondary player to            experience the same consequence given the same decision may            mean that the primary and secondary players will experience            the same outcomes or will receive the same symbols or            indicia. The actual payouts received by the primary player            and the secondary player may differ, in some embodiments,            due to differing bets by the primary and secondary players.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may decide to                continue a game that has already been started. The                secondary player may decide to join a game, for example,                after an event within the game has been resolved. For                example, a secondary player may decide to join a game                after a first symbol on reel of a slot machine has been                revealed, but before symbols on a second reel or on a                third reel have been revealed. Once the secondary player                decides to join the game, the game may proceed exactly                as it had for the primary player who originally played                the game (or exactly as it will for the primary player                currently involved in the game). In other words, once                the secondary player joins the game, the secondary                player may receive the same outcome of the game that the                primary player does or has. This may occur by virtue of                the outcome of the game having been determined in                advance, even before the revelation of the first symbol,                for example.        -   3.2.2. Different ordering. In some embodiments a secondary            player may participate in the game of a primary player, make            all the same decisions as does the primary player, yet            achieve a different result. The consequences of secondary            player decisions may not be the same as the consequences of            primary player decisions. In some embodiments, the            consequences of a secondary player's decisions are            determined after the start of a game. For example, the            consequences of a secondary player's decisions are            determined at the juncture in a game where a secondary            player makes a decision, just prior to when a secondary            player makes a decision, or even after a secondary player            makes a decision. The consequences of possible decisions to            be made by a secondary player may be determined by shuffling            a remaining portion of a deck of cards from which cards will            be dealt in the game in which the secondary player is            participating. For example, suppose a primary player has            been involved in a game of blackjack and has received an            initial two-card hand. The primary player may decide to hit,            and may thereby receive a king of clubs dealt from the top            of the deck. A secondary player may participate in the same            game. The secondary player may also decide to hit after the            initial two-card hand has been dealt. However, prior to the            second player receiving a new card in his hand, the            remaining portion of the deck of cards may be reshuffled.            Thus, the secondary player may receive a different card than            did the primary player, e.g., the secondary player may            receive the five of hearts. Thus, the consequences of the            secondary player's decision to hit will have been determined            only after the secondary player has made his decision, the            determination being made through the reshuffling of the deck            of cards.            -   In embodiments where the secondary player does not make                the same decision as does the primary player, the                consequences of the secondary player's decision may not                necessarily be determined at the beginning of the game.                For example, in a game of video poker, a primary player                may decide to discard the fourth and fifth cards from a                starting hand. The secondary player, who is                participating in the same game as the primary player and                therefore has the same starting hand, may instead decide                to discard the first and second cards from the starting                hand. The primary player may be dealt a ten of diamonds                and a queen of clubs. The secondary player may be dealt                a jack of hearts and a nine of hearts. The secondary                player may receive different cards than does the primary                player because the cards to be dealt to the secondary                player after the initial hand may be determined using a                separate randomization process from that used to                determine the cards dealt to the primary player after                the initial hand. For example, after the initial cards                in a game of video poker have been dealt, the remaining                cards in the deck may be reshuffled from the order they                had in the deck used in the game of the primary player.                In some embodiments, the remaining cards in the deck may                be reshuffled in both the game of the primary player and                in the game of the secondary player. The two                reshufflings may be different from one another, however,                so that the order of the remaining cards in the deck for                the primary player is different from the order of the                remaining cards in the deck for the secondary player.            -   In various embodiments, a copy of a game, a deck, or of                other game elements may be used in completing a game of                a secondary player. For example, when a primary player                begins a game, the deck of cards used in the game of the                primary player may be copied. The deck may be copied so                that the order of the cards within the deck is copied as                well. The primary and the secondary player may then play                out the remainder of the game from the two separate                copies of the deck, without interfering with one                another. In one embodiment, both the primary player and                the secondary player start out using the same deck to                generate, e.g., an initial hand. Thereafter, the                remaining portion of the deck (e.g., the part of the                deck that hasn't been dealt yet), is copied. This part                of the deck may then be reshuffled, or it may not be                reshuffled. The secondary player may then play out the                remainder of the game using the copied portion of the                deck. Thus, the secondary player may play out the                remaining portion of the game separately from the                primary player without interfering with the game of the                primary player.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in slot machine game. A first symbol from                the slot machine game may be revealed. The secondary                player may wish to continue the game from the point                after the first symbol has been revealed. However, the                secondary player may wish to continue the game in a                different fashion from that in which the primary player                has continued the game. In other words, the secondary                player may want the remaining symbols of his outcome to                be generated randomly using a different random process                than that used to generate the remaining symbols for the                primary player. Thus, in some embodiments, the casino                (or the gaming device working on behalf of the casino)                may randomly determine additional symbols to generate                and display for the secondary player, where such symbols                need not necessarily be the same as those generated and                displayed for the primary player. In various                embodiments, a casino may randomly determine a way to                generate additional symbols as follows. A casino may                determine all outcomes containing the one or more                symbols that have already been generated. Such outcomes                may be probability weighted so that, for example, it is                understood that some are more likely to occur than                others. The casino may then select from among the                probability weighted outcomes randomly and in proportion                to their weightings. Thus, for example, an outcome with                twice the probability weighting of another outcome would                be twice as likely to be selected.    -   3.3. A secondary player may redo the game after the fact. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may replay a game from a        certain juncture after the game has already been completed. For        example, one hour after a game of video poker has been        completed, a secondary player may replay the game starting after        the initial hand has been dealt but before any decision has been        made as to which cards to discard. As described above, a        secondary player may replay a game with different outcomes or        consequences than those experienced by the primary player, even        if the secondary player and the primary player made the same        decisions in the game. This is because the replayed game may be        replayed with a different randomization process used than was        used for the original game.        -   3.3.1. Replay a live game. In various embodiments, a            secondary player may replay a game that was originally            played with multiple primary players. For example, the            secondary player may replay a game of Texas Hold'em poker in            which there were originally 9 primary players. The secondary            player may wish to play the hand of one of the 9 players.            -   3.3.1.1. The casino uses Al. In various embodiments, in                order for the secondary player to have the opportunity                to replay a multi-player game, other entities may take                the positions of primary players other than the player                who the secondary player has replaced. Thus, in some                embodiments, the casino may use computer algorithms to                take the place of the other primary players. The                computer algorithms may be programmed to make decisions                in a game, such as in a game of poker. For example, the                computer algorithms may include a set of rules detailing                what actions to take for any given game situation. When                replaying the game, the secondary player may thus play                against one or more computer algorithms. In some                embodiments, the casino may disclose to the secondary                player one or more attributes of a computer algorithm                used in a multi-player game. The casino may disclose the                rules used by the computer algorithm. The casino may                disclose a personality of the algorithm, such as                “aggressive” or “tight”. In various embodiments, the                casino may be required to disclose one or more                attributes of a computer algorithm. The requirements may                come from casino regulators, for example.            -   3.3.1.2. Secondary player plays against other secondary                players. In various embodiments, if a first secondary                player replays a game involving multiple primary                players, the positions of other primary player may be                filled with other secondary players. Thus, in some                embodiments, the first secondary player may replay a                game against other secondary players. In some                embodiments, a first secondary player may replay a game                against one or more other secondary players and against                one or more computer algorithms.            -   3.3.1.3. Other players are not opponents. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may replay a game that                included multiple primary players. However, the primary                players may not have been opponents of one another. For                example, a secondary player may replay a game of                blackjack from a live table game which originally                included 6 primary players. The primary players were not                opponents, but rather were competing against the casino.                When the secondary player replays the game, the                secondary player may wish for positions of the other                primary players at the game to be filled as well. Thus,                in some embodiments, computer algorithms may fill the                places of other primary players. In some embodiments,                other secondary players may fill the places of other                primary players.    -   3.4. A secondary player may make a different decision in real        time and diverge into a different game. In various embodiments,        a secondary player may participate in a game that is currently        being played by a primary player. Thus, the secondary player may        participate in a game of a primary player in real time. However,        at a particular point in a game, the secondary player may wish        to diverge from the course of the primary player. For example,        the secondary player may wish to make a different decision in        the game than does the primary player. In some embodiments, the        secondary player may not know which decision the primary player        will make. However, the secondary player may wish to make his        own decision anyway, even if it turns out that the decision of        the secondary player will be the same as the decision of the        primary player. Once the games of both the primary player and        the secondary player have finished, the secondary player may        rejoin the primary player for the next game. In other words, the        secondary player and the primary player in the next game may        receive the same symbols, indicia, or other event resolutions.        If the primary player finishes his game before the secondary        player does, the primary player may be delayed by the casino        until the secondary player has an opportunity to bet on the next        game.    -   3.5. Searching for games with certain characteristics. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may search for games        with particular characteristics. As described elsewhere herein,        a secondary player may search for the games of a particular        primary player, for games played at a particular gaming device,        for games played at a particular time of day, for games played        at a particular casino, for games played right before a big win,        and so on. However, the secondary player may also search for        games which would give the secondary player an opportunity to        proceed from a certain starting point in a beneficial fashion.        Once the secondary player finds a game in a search, the        secondary player may have the opportunity to play out the game        from a certain point in the game, such as from a decision point        in the game.        -   3.5.1. The wrong decision was made. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may search for a game in which a primary            player made a decision that met or failed to meet one or            more criteria. A secondary player may search for a game in            which the primary player: (a) did not make a decision which            generated the highest expected winnings for the primary            player; (b) did not make a decision which made the primary            player eligible for the highest paying outcome that the            primary player could have been eligible for; (c) did not            make a decision that followed a generally recommended            strategy (e.g., the primary player did not make a decision            in blackjack that followed basic strategy); (d) did not make            a decision that followed a strategy of interest to the            secondary player; and so on. For example, a secondary player            may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary            player has a point total of 13 with no aces, in which the            dealer shows a 3 up-card, and in which the primary player            chose to stand. The secondary player may choose to search            for such games because, under various rules, the basic            strategy recommendation would be to hit. Thus the secondary            player will have searched for a game in which the primary            player has not made the correct decision according to the            recommendations of basic strategy.        -   3.5.2. There is a certain starting hand. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may search for a game of a            primary player in which there was a particular starting hand            or in which there was a particular category of starting            hand. For example, a secondary player may search for a game            of a primary player which was a game of video poker and            which included an initial hand with exactly four hearts in            it. A secondary player may search for a video poker game in            which the primary player has an initial hand with a pair of            jacks. A secondary player may search for a video poker game            in which the primary player has an initial hand which            includes the ace of spades, king of spades, queen of spades,            jack of spades, and the four of hearts. A secondary player            may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary            player had a particular point total, such as 11. A secondary            player may search for a game of blackjack in which the            primary player had a first point total or a first            combination of cards, and in which the dealer showed a            second card. For example, the primary player had a point            total of 14 and the dealer showed a 4. A secondary player            may search for a game of blackjack in which the primary            player had already hit twice and still had a point total of            less than 14. In various embodiments, a secondary player may            search for a game in which one or more symbols occurred at a            slot machine. In replaying the game, the secondary player            may have the opportunity to obtain additional symbols where            such symbols differ from the ones obtained by the primary            player in the same game.        -   3.5.3. A primary player had a near miss. In various            embodiments, the secondary player may search for games in            which the primary player had a near miss. The secondary            player may search for games in which: (a) an outcome            obtained by the primary player differed by X or fewer            symbols from a high-paying outcome (e.g., there was only one            symbol different between the outcome achieved by the primary            player and a jackpot outcome); (b) a primary player had four            cards to a royal flush in video poker but did not obtain the            fifth card; (c) an outcome obtained by a primary player            differed by one symbol from a jackpot outcome, and the            symbol necessary for the jackpot outcome was just one            position removed on a reel from the pay-line; and so on. A            secondary player may keep the symbols of an outcome from a            game of a primary player that would contribute to a            high-paying outcome, and may have any additional symbols            regenerated in an attempt to obtain all the symbols            necessary for obtaining the high-paying outcome.    -   3.6. Adjust the odds of a game based on what situation the        secondary player is starting from. In various embodiments, a        secondary player who begins play from the middle of a game, or        who begins play in a game after finding out any information        about a possible final outcome of the game, may have different        probabilities of achieving a given final outcome from what any        player would have had at the start of a game. For example, if a        secondary player starts a game of video poker at the midpoint        after an initial hand with four cards to the royal flush has        been dealt, the secondary player will have a greater chance of        achieving the royal flush than if the secondary player were        starting the game from the beginning. As described herein, a        house advantage may be derived from the products of payout        ratios and probabilities corresponding to outcomes. Thus, in        some embodiments, if the probabilities of paying outcomes go up,        then the payout ratios associated with such outcomes must go        down in order to maintain a constant house advantage, or in        order to maintain any house advantage at all. Thus, in some        embodiments, the payout ratios associated with an outcome may        change when a secondary player begins a game after some        information has been revealed in the game. For example, a payout        ratio for a royal flush may be 500 for a game of video poker in        which a player starts from the beginning. However, if a player        starts the game with an initial hand that contains the ace of        spades, king of spades, queen of spades, jack of spades, and 3        of hearts, then the payout ratio for the royal flush may be set        to 25 rather than 500. In various embodiments, payout ratios for        outcomes may be adjusted for a game started in the middle so        that the house advantage for the game started in the middle is        the same (or nearly the same) as for the same game started from        the beginning. For example, suppose the house edge on a game of        video poker is 2% with perfect play. If a secondary player is        allowed to start in the middle of a game (e.g., after an initial        hand of poker is dealt), then payout ratios for one or more        outcomes may be adjusted so that the house advantage over the        secondary player is still approximately 2% (e.g,. between 1% and        3%). As will be appreciated, the payout ratio for a game may be        adjusted in several ways, any of which are contemplated in        various embodiments. In various embodiments, a payout ratio may        be changed by changing a required bet from a secondary player        while maintaining constant payouts on outcomes. In various        embodiments, a payout ratio may be changed by changing the        payouts for one or more outcomes while maintaining the same        required bet amount. In various embodiments, a payout ratio may        be changed by changing both the payouts for one or more        outcomes, and the amount of a required bet.        -   3.6.1. Odds adjustments in a game of Hold'em. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may wish to participate in a            game that involves multiple primary players. The secondary            player may wish to take the place of a first primary player            in the game and to make one or more decisions in the game            going forward from a particular point. However,            probabilities for possible outcomes of a multi-player game            may not be readily quantifiable since the outcomes may            depend on the actions of human beings, each with their own            independent wills. As such, it may be difficult for the            casino to set a payout ratio for a secondary player who is            joining in the middle of a multi-player game. Further, the            secondary player will not necessarily be interacting with            the other primary players in the game (e.g., the primary            players in the game other than the primary player whose            place the secondary player has taken), since the game may            have been played in the past, or since the primary player            whose place the secondary player will be filling may still            be in the real game. Thus, the secondary player may complete            the remainder of the game against computer algorithms which            fill in for other primary players. The secondary player may            complete the remainder of the game against other secondary            players who fill in for other primary players.            -   3.6.1.1. Assume all players will stay in and then                decide? In some embodiments, a probability that a                secondary player wins a game may be derived or estimated                based on an assumption that all other players in a game                (e.g., all algorithms filling in for primary players;                e.g., all secondary players filling in for primary                players) remain in the game. In other words, there may                be an assumption that no player folds after the point at                which the secondary player has joined the game. Based on                an assumption that no further player will fold in a                game, the probability that a secondary player will win                can be derived in a straightforward fashion. In one                embodiment, all possible combinations of additional                cards to be dealt can be tested. For example, in a game                of Texas Hold'em in which the flop has been dealt                already, all possible combinations of turn and river                cards may be tested. The proportion of the combinations                that lead to a win for the secondary player may then be                used to determine the probability that the secondary                player will win. In some embodiments, a large number of                deals of additional cards in the game may be simulated                in order to determine the proportion of such simulations                which the secondary player wins. Such a proportion may                be used to estimate the probability that the secondary                player will win. It will be appreciated that a                probability that the secondary player will tie may be                determined in a similar fashion to the way a probability                of winning may be determined. For example, all possible                combinations of additional cards to be dealt may be                tested, and the proportion of such combinations which                lead to a tie may be used to estimate the probability                that the secondary player will tie.            -   3.6.1.2. Do a simulation with good AI players? In some                embodiments, a probability that a secondary player will                win in a multi-player game may be determined using a                simulation in which computer algorithms fill in for each                of the primary players in the original game. For                example, 1000 simulated games may be run using computer                algorithms filling in for each of the primary players.                The proportion of the time that the computer algorithm                wins while filling in at the position desired to be                played by the secondary player may be used to determine                the probability that the secondary player will win. In                some embodiments, the average amount won or lost by the                computer algorithm filling in at the position desired to                be played by the secondary player may be used to                estimate an expected amount that will be won or lost by                the secondary player in the game. In various                embodiments, once a probability that a secondary player                will win and/or tie in a game is determined, a payout                ratio for the game may be determined. In various                embodiments, once an expected amount that a secondary                player will win or lose is determined, a required bet                amount for the secondary player may be determined. A                payout ratio or required bet amount may be determined                for any manner in which a secondary player completes a                game from the point or juncture at which the secondary                player joins. For example, a payout ratio or required                bet amount may be determined whether a secondary player                completes a game against other secondary players,                whether a secondary player completes a game against                computer algorithms, or whether the secondary player                completes a game against any combination of the two.    -   3.7. If a secondary player does diverge in time, then there may        be some catch-up, or the secondary player may skip to the        current outcome. For example, the secondary player may be busy        on a bonus round while the primary player goes off playing more        games. In various embodiments, a secondary player may complete a        game in a different manner from the way in which a primary        player completes the game. For example, a secondary player may        be participating in real time in a game of a primary player. At        some point in the game, the primary player may make a first        decision and the secondary player may make a second decision. As        a result of the different decisions, or for any other reason,        the game of the secondary player may last longer than does the        game of the primary player. For example, in a game of blackjack,        a decision to “hit” by a primary player may lead to the primary        player busting, and thereby to an immediate end to the game of        the primary player. On the other hand, a decision to “stand” by        the secondary player may cause the dealer in the game of the        secondary player to make one or more decisions, thereby        prolonging the game of the secondary player. If the game of a        secondary player lasts longer than the game of a primary player        in whose games the secondary player has been participating, then        the primary player may on occasion begin a new game before the        secondary player has completed an old game.        -   3.7.1. The secondary player sits out the next game and joins            a future game. In some embodiments, if a primary player            begins a new game before a secondary player has completed a            prior game he started with the primary player, then the            secondary player may sit out the new game. The secondary            player may sit out any number of new games until the old            game of the secondary player has finished. The secondary            player may then join in the next game to be started by the            primary player.        -   3.72. The secondary player gets involved in two games            simultaneously. In some embodiments, even if a secondary            player has not completed a prior game, the secondary player            may still participate in a new game of a primary player. For            example, the secondary player may follow the progress of his            old and new games using a split-screen view on his terminal.            As will be appreciated, the secondary player may be involved            in more than one old game even as a new game is started. The            secondary player may potentially view the progress of one or            more old games along with the new game.        -   3.73. The old game is finished quickly. In various            embodiments, once when a primary player finishes a first            game and/or begins a second game, the older game of the            secondary player (e.g., the offshoot from the first game of            the primary player) may be sped up. For example, the casino            may cause outcomes to be generated or displayed more rapidly            or instantaneously. For example, rather than showing            renditions of cards being dealt, the house may show cards            appearing instantly in the hand of the secondary player. In            various embodiments, the house may make decisions for the            secondary player automatically. For example, the house may            make decisions for the secondary player according to one or            more strategies, such as according to optimal strategy or            according to basic strategy.        -   3.7.4. The games of the primary player are stored and the            secondary player can participate in the games later on. In            various embodiments, a secondary player who is still            involved in an older game may not immediately participate in            a new game of a primary player. However, data about the new            game may be stored by the casino. The secondary player may            then, at a later time, choose to participate in the game.            The casino may store a record of which games of the primary            player the secondary player missed and may then give the            secondary player the option of participating in such games.        -   3.7.5. The secondary player gets the EV of a game. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may not complete a            game in the standard fashion, but may rather receive a            settlement payment. The settlement payment may be based on            an average amount that the secondary player might have            expected to win had he completed the game. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may be involved in a bonus            round (e.g., the bonus round of a slot machine game). The            secondary player, rather than playing out the bonus round,            may receive a settlement amount for the bonus round. The            secondary player may thereby save the time of playing            through the entire bonus round, and may therefore be able to            participate in a new game that the primary player would            otherwise have started without the secondary player's            participation.    -   3.8. The secondary player may bet different pay-lines. In        various embodiments, a secondary player may choose to bet on        different pay-lines from those on which the primary player bet        or bets. For example, the primary player may bet a first        pay-line and a second pay-line at a slot machine while a        secondary player bets only the first pay-line. For example, a        primary player may bet a first pay-line at a slot machine while        a secondary player bets a first pay-line and a second pay-line.        For example, a primary player may bet a first and second        pay-line while a secondary player bets a second and third        pay-line. For example, a primary player may bet a first pay-line        while a secondary player bets a second pay-line at a slot        machine.    -   3.9. The secondary player may bet different amounts than did the        primary player. For example, the secondary player may bet the        full three coins rather than just one. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may bet a different amount than does a primary        player. For example, in a game of poker, such as in a        multiplayer game of Texas Hold'em, a secondary player may decide        he would rather raise by $20 instead of the $10 raise made by a        primary player. Accordingly, the secondary player may play out        the remainder of the game, taking the position of the primary        player, and playing against computer algorithms taking the place        of other primary players. In various embodiments, a primary        player may bet a first amount at the start of the game, while        the secondary player may bet a second amount on the same game.

Embodiments described herein, where applicable may be performed based ongames played electronically as well as based on games played usingphysical tokens, devices, instruments, tables, etc. In variousembodiments, a primary player may play a game using physical tokens(e.g., physical cards and chips), while a secondary player mayparticipate in the game and view an electronic version of the game. Insome embodiments, a primary player may play an electronic version of agame and a secondary player may participate in the game via anelectronic version of the game. In some embodiments, primary player mayplay a physical version of a game and a secondary player may participatein the game using physical tokens. For example, when a secondary playermakes a decision in a game that is different from the decision made bythe primary player, the a deck of cards used in the primary player'sgame may be duplicated by taking another physical deck of cards andputting the cards in the same order as are the cards in the deck used inthe game of the primary player.

-   4. Aggregate and display all data from across the casino. Allow    people to make bets accordingly. For example, show all the reds and    the blacks across all the roulette games. This might then influence    how people bet in the future on red and black. Cumulative wins and    losses in blackjack can be displayed. For instance, players have won    500 hands and lost 510. In various embodiments, data about two or    more games at a casino may be gathered. The data about two or more    games may be combined or aggregated. In some embodiments, a single    statistic may be used to describe data about two or more games. In    some embodiments, more than one statistic may be used to describe    data about two or more games. In some embodiments, statistics used    to describe data about two or more games may represent a compression    or condensation of the data. Statistics may represent a way to allow    a human being, such as a secondary player, to gain an understanding    about large amounts of data about games. Exemplary statistics may    indicate an average amount won in a set of games, a prevalence of a    particular outcome in a set of games, an excess occurrence of a    first outcome over a second outcome in a set of games, and so on.    Statistics may be presented to players. For example, a prominent    display screen at a casino may indicate the total number of    occurrences of “red” in roulette in the entire casino during the    last 10 minutes. Data about games may be presented to a player in    many different forms. Data may also be presented to a casino    representative, such as a casino employee. Data may also be    presented to a regulator, such as a gaming regulator. Data may be    presented in graphical form. For example, a bar graph may show the    number of “red” outcomes, the number of “black” outcomes and the    number of “green” outcomes in roulette as three separate bars on a    graph. Data may be presented in the form of highlights or fast    action replays. For example, video footage of outcomes may be shown    sped up to 10 times the original speed. Data about games may aid    players in deciding which bets to make in the future. For example, a    player may believe that a “red” outcome is likely to follow a long    string of “black” outcomes. Accordingly, the player may be    interested in viewing data or summary statistics about games of    roulette.    -   4.1. Types of data. In various embodiments, many types of data        may be gathered, generated, recorded, displayed, presented        and/or stored. Data about different games may be gathered. Data        about different players may be gathered. Data about gaming        devices may be gathered. Data about casinos may be gathered.        -   4.1.1. Number of times primary players have won/lost. For an            individual game, win, loss, or tie data may be gathered. A            game may be considered a win for a primary player if the            primary player receives any positive payout and/or if the            primary player receives a payout that is greater than the            amount he bet on the game. A game may be considered a win if            a primary player receives more than an average amount that            would typically be paid in a game. Other criteria may be            used in considering whether a game is a win or not. For            example, if the particular rules of a game indicate that a            primary player is a winner, the game may be considered a win            for the primary player. For example, in a game of blackjack,            a primary player may be considered the winner if the point            total of his hand is 21 or less, and if the dealer has            busted or has a point total less than that of the primary            player. A game may be considered a tie if a primary player            receives a payout that is equal to the amount he bet on the            game. A game may be considered a tie if a primary player            neither wins nor loses money in a game. A game may be            considered a tie if the rules of the game indicate that the            game is a tie. A game may be considered a loss if a primary            player receives no payout for the game. A game may be            considered a loss if a primary player receives a payout that            is less than the amount he bet on the game. A game may be            considered a loss if a primary player receives less than an            average amount that is typically paid in a game. A game may            be considered a loss if it is not considered a win or a tie.            -   In some embodiments, each pay line within a game may be                considered separately. For example, a primary player may                bet 1 coin and win 3 coins on a first pay line. The                primary player may bet 1 coin and win 0 coins on a                second pay line. In this example, the results of the bet                on the first pay line may be considered a winning game,                while the results of the bet on the second pay line may                be considered a losing game. Thus, in some embodiments,                the placing of a bet, the generation of an outcome, and                the collecting of winnings for a given pay line may be                considered a complete and separate game, even if                multiple pay lines were enabled for a given spin of a                slot machine. In some embodiments, each hand of video                poker played may be considered a separate game. For                example, if a primary player plays 3 hands of video                poker at a time, the three hands of video poker may be                considered separate games. In some embodiments, even if                3 hands of video poker each include the same starting                hand (e.g., the initial five cards are the same for each                hand), the hands may still be considered to be separate                games. In some embodiments, each bet made is considered                to define a separate game. For example, a bet on a first                pay-line of a slot machine may define a different game                from a bet on a second pay-line for the slot machine. In                some embodiments, two bets are considered to constitute                separate games if the payouts from the bets are not                perfectly correlated. For example, if the payout                stemming from a second bet cannot be determined with                certainty even knowing the payout stemming from a first                bet, then the two bets may be considered to define                separate games. In some embodiments, two bets made at a                craps table may be considered to define separate games                even if payouts for both bets are dependent on the same                roll or rolls of the dice. For example, a pass bet may                be considered to define a different game from a hard way                bet.            -   Win, loss, and tie data may be aggregated over two or                more games. The aggregated data may be stored and/or                presented as a statistic, as a graph, or in any other                fashion. In some embodiments, a statistic may indicate                the number of games won by one or more primary players                over the last X games (e.g., over the last 100 games).                In some embodiments a statistic may indicate the number                of games lost by one or more primary players over the                last X games (e.g., over the last 100 games). In some                embodiments, a statistic may indicate the number of                games tied. In some embodiments, a statistic may                indicate the difference between the number of games won                and the number of game lost by one or more players over                the last X games. For example, a value of a statistic at                −7 may indicate that over the last 100 games, a set of                primary players has lost seven more games than they have                won. As will be appreciated, data may be aggregated over                any number of games, such as the last 100, the last                1000, all the games of the day, all the games of a year,                etc. As used herein, the term “last” need not                necessarily reference the present time. For example, a                statistic that describes the number of primary player                wins over the “last” 100 games may describe the number                of primary player wins out of 100 games leading up to                some point in the past. Thus, the term “last” may be                used with reference to the point in the past. The point                in the past may be, for example, the time during which a                statistic was created. In various embodiments, data may                be aggregated for a single primary player. For example,                a statistic may indicate the number of games won by a                particular primary player during the past three days. In                some embodiments, data may be aggregated over multiple                primary players. For example, a statistic may indicate                the number of games won in the last hour by all primary                players at a particular blackjack table. In various                embodiments, data may be aggregated for games meeting                one or more criteria. For example, win/loss/tie data may                be aggregated for games meeting one or more criteria.                Such criteria may include: (a) the games were played                during a particular period of time; (b) the games were                played most recently; (c) the games were played by a                particular primary player; (d) the games were played by                one of a set of primary players; (e) the games were                played by any primary player having a particular                characteristic (e.g., the games were played by any                primary player who is a small business owner); (f) the                games were played at a particular gaming device; (g) the                games were played in a particular area of a casino; (h)                the games were played in a particular casino; (i) the                games were of a particular type (e.g., slot machine;                e.g., video poker; e.g., Addam's Family slot                machine); (j) the games had a certain minimum bet                required (e.g., the games required a $1 minimum                bet); (k) the games each had a bet of a particular                amount placed on them (e.g., the games all had bets of                $0.25 placed on them); and so on.        -   4.1.2. Amounts of money won/lost. For an individual game,            data may be gathered for the amount of money won or lost by            a player. For an individual game, data may be gathered for            the amount of money won or lost by the house. For example,            in a game with multiple primary players against the house,            the winnings of a given player are not necessarily the            inverse of the winnings for the house. Data may be gathered            in relation to gross winnings. In other words, data may be            gathered for winnings without regard to any amounts paid by            the player, e.g., in the form of a bet. For example, if a            primary player inserts $1 into a slot machine as a bet and            receives a payout of $5, the primary player has gross            winnings of $5. Data may be gathered in relation to net            winnings. In other words, data may be gathered for winnings            after accounting for amounts paid by the primary player. In            the prior example, after having bet $1 and receiving a            payout of $5, the primary player may have net winnings of            $4. In a similar fashion, data may be gathered for gross and            net winnings of a casino. Data related to winnings and            losses may be aggregated over multiple games. A statistic            may describe the gross winnings of one or more primary            players over multiple games. For example, a statistic may            take the value of $83, indicating that a primary player has            received payouts totaling $83 during the last 100 games. A            statistic may describe the net winnings of one or more            primary players over multiple games. For example, a            statistic may take the value of −$17, indicating that a            primary player has paid $17 more in bets than he has            received in winnings over the last 100 games. A statistic            may describe the winnings and losses of multiple primary            players. For example, a statistic may take the value of $25,            indicating that a group of 20 primary players who have            played blackjack have average net winnings of $25 over the            last hour. In some embodiments, data about winnings and            losses may be displayed graphically. For example, the size            of a primary player's bankroll may be graphed over time. As            the primary player wins, the graph may move upwards. As the            primary player loses, the graph may move downwards. The            primary player's bankroll may start at an arbitrary value,            such as zero, or at a value equal to the amount for which            the primary player has bought in to a game.        -   4.1.3. Number of hands/games played. In some embodiments,            data may be gathered describing the number of games played.            For each game played, a statistic may be incremented. The            statistic may be a simple counter of the number of games            played. In some embodiments, a statistic may keep track of            the number of games played over a particular period of time.            Thus, for every game played, an associated time may be            stored, e.g., in a database of the casino server. Once a            game has been played more than X hours in the past, the            statistic may be decremented by one to reflect that the game            was no longer played in the last X hours, which are the            hours covered by the statistic. Data about the number of            games played may be aggregated over multiple players. For            example, a statistic may describe the number of games played            by all roulette players in a casino over the last 20            minutes. In some embodiments, data about the number of hands            played may be kept. In some embodiments, data about the            number of pay-lines may be kept. In some embodiments, data            about the number of outcomes generated or received may be            kept. For example, a statistic may track the number of            outcomes generated for a player at a slot machine, with each            pay-line enabled counting as a separate outcome.        -   4.1.4. Number of a particular outcome obtained. For example,            number of jackpots, number of payouts over X, etc, number of            cherry-cherry-cherry outcomes, etc. For an individual game,            outcome data may be recorded. Outcome data may include data            describing what symbols were generated for a game. Outcome            data may include data describing what symbols were used in            determining a payout for a player. An outcome may include a            set of symbols, such as “cherry-cherry-cherry” or            “bar-bell-lemon”. Outcome data may include a payout amount.            For example, a payout of $1 may be an outcome. Outcome data            may include a point total. For example, in a game of            blackjack, an outcome may be that the player received 21            points. Outcome data may include a point total for a dealer            and/or for an opposing primary player. In a game of            blackjack, outcome data may include data describing the            point total of the dealer. In a game of poker, outcome data            may include data describing the hands of other primary            players against whom a primary player of interest is            competing. Outcome data may further include data describing            one or more common symbols. For example, in a game of Texas            Hold'em, outcome data may include data about what cards were            dealt on the flop, turn and/or the river. Outcome data may            include the results of rolls of the dice. For example,            outcome data may describe the numerical total of rolls of            the dice in a game of craps. In a game of roulette, outcome            data may include data describing the number that came up            when the wheel was spun. In various embodiments, outcome            data may be aggregated over a plurality of games. The games            may include the games of one or more primary players. In            some embodiments, a statistic may describe the number of            times a particular outcome has occurred. For example, a            statistic may describe the number of times the outcome            “cherry-cherry-cherry” has occurred. For example, a            statistic may describe the number of times “black” has            occurred at a roulette wheel. A statistic may also describe            the number of times an outcome has occurred per unit time or            per game. For example, a statistic may take the value of 48,            indicating that a roulette wheel has generated a “red”            outcome 48 times in the last 100 spins. In some embodiments,            a statistic may express the occurrence of an outcome per            spin in terms of a percentage. For example, a statistic may            indicate that an outcome of “flush” or better has occurred            in 4% of the last 1000 games in a game of video poker. In            various embodiments, data about outcomes may be aggregated            over multiple primary players. For example, a statistic may            describe that a group of primary players has obtained 100            blackjacks during the last hour, or out of the last 2000            hands played by primary players in the group. In various            embodiments, data about outcomes may be aggregated over            multiple tables, gaming devices, or other outcome            generators. For example, a statistic may indicate that, at a            group of gaming devices, 3 jackpot outcomes have occurred in            the last month. For example, regarding a group of 5 roulette            tables in a casino, a statistic may indicate that the number            12 has come up 5 times in the last hour. In various            embodiments, a statistic may indicate a comparison between            the number of occurrences of a first outcome and the number            of occurrences of a second outcome. For example, a statistic            may indicate a difference in the number of occurrences of            straights versus flushes in a game of video poker over a            given period of time. For instance, a value of a statistic            of 10 may indicate that 10 more straights than flushes have            occurred in the past hour at a group of video poker            machines.        -   4.1.5. Number of a particular symbol obtained. For an            individual game, data may be obtained regarding what symbols            occurred during the game. For example data may be obtained            that an ace of spades, jack of hearts, king of diamonds,            queen of clubs, and seven of hearts was obtained as an            initial hand in a game of video poker. For example, data may            be obtained that a “cherry” symbol was obtained in a reel            slot machine game. In various embodiments, such data may be            aggregated, such as over multiple games, over multiple            primary players, and/or over multiple gaming devices. For            example, a statistic may describe the number of times an ace            of spades has been dealt at a video poker machine in the            past hour. For example, a statistic may describe the number            of times any player from California in a casino has obtained            a red card in any game of cards in the past 20 minutes. For            example, a statistic may describe the number of times a bell            symbol has been generated at any slot machine in a bank of            slot machines in the last day. For example, a statistic may            describe the number of times a six has been rolled in a game            of craps. In various embodiments, a statistic may indicate a            comparison between the number of times a first symbol has            occurred and the number of times a second symbol has            occurred. For example, a statistic may indicate that a            “lemon” symbol has occurred X more times than has a “plum”            symbol in a given period of time. In various embodiments,            positional data may be obtained. Positional data may include            data describing the position of a symbol within an outcome,            within a display area, or within any other area. In various            embodiments, positional data may include data about whether            a symbol was the leftmost symbol in an outcome, the middle            symbol in an outcome, or the rightmost symbol in an outcome,            e.g., as displayed in the viewing window of a gaming device.            For example, in the outcome “lemon-bell-bar”, the “lemon”            symbol may be considered to be in the first position, the            “bell” symbol in the second position, and the “bar” symbol            in the third position. In various embodiments, data about a            symbol may be recorded even if the symbol does not form part            of an outcome. For example, data about a symbol may be            recorded even if the symbol does not contribute to the            determination of a payout for a player. For example, a            viewing window of a slot machine may show a grid of 3 by 5            symbols, whereby each of 5 reels has 3 symbols visible. The            player of the slot machine may have enabled only one            pay-line so that only the symbol visible in the middle of            each reel is applicable to the payout determined for the            player. Nevertheless, data indicative of the other symbols            may still be recorded. For example, the fact that a “dog”            symbol was visible at the top of the first reel may be            recorded even if the “dog” symbol did not contribute to the            payout determined for the primary player. In various            embodiments, data about symbols that were not visible may            also be obtained and/or recorded. For example, data about            symbols that occurred one position above a viewing window on            a reel may be recorded. Such symbols may not have been            visible to a primary player at the conclusion of a game.            However, such symbols may still have been present on a reel,            e.g., in the form of a printed graphic or in the form of            data in the memory of a gaming device describing the            composition of a virtual or electronic reel. For example, a            gaming device may maintain a data structure describing all            the symbols on a reel, even if there is no physical            embodiment of the reel. Thus, although not all of the            symbols on the reel are displayed at one time (e.g., on the            display screen of the gaming device), the positions of all            symbols relative to the displays screen (e.g., the viewing            window) of the gaming device may be known to the gaming            device. In various embodiments, data about positional            information may be aggregated. Data may be aggregated, for            example, over multiple games, over multiple primary players,            over multiple gaming devices, over multiple locations, over            multiple time periods, and so on. For example, a statistic            may indicate the number of times that a cherry symbol has            occurred in the second position of an outcome at a            particular gaming device in the last hour. For example, a            statistic may indicate the number of times that the third            card in an initial hand of video poker has been a jack for a            group of primary players in the last hour. In various            embodiments, a statistic may indicate the number of times            that a “Yosemite Sam” symbol has occurred in the upper right            hand corner of a viewing window of a gaming device in the            last hour. In various embodiments, data about a            chronological order in which symbols occur may be obtained            and/or stored. In a game of cards, data about which card was            dealt first, which card was dealt second, and so on, may be            kept. A statistic may describe the number of times a            particular symbol appeared in a particular chronological            order. For example, a statistic may describe the number of            times that an ace was the tenth card dealt in a table game            of blackjack over the last two hours.    -   4.1.6. Data about the ordering of a deck, order of symbols on a        reel. In various embodiments, data may be obtained about the        order of cards in a deck. For each card in a deck, a position        may be recorded. For example, a position of the two of clubs may        be recorded as “10”, indicating that the tenth card from the top        of a deck was the two of clubs. Data about the position of a        card in a deck may be obtained or stored even if such card never        appeared in a game. For example, regarding a game of video        poker, the rank and suit of the card at the bottom of the deck        may be recorded, even though the card may have no chance of        being dealt in the game of video poker. In various embodiments,        data may be obtained or recorded about the order of symbols on a        reel of a gaming device. For example, from an arbitrary location        on a reel, each symbol on the reel may be attributed to a        different position. For example, a “lemon” symbol is in the        first position. An adjacent “cherry” symbol is in the second        position. An adjacent “plum” symbol is in the third position,        and so on. In various embodiments, data about the order of        symbols may be aggregated. For example, a statistic may indicate        the number of times that the jack of hearts has been in the        fifth position of a deck of cards in that last 200 game of video        poker.        -   4.1.7. Top performing players. E.g., players who have won            the most in the last 100 outcomes, the last hour, etc. For            an individual game, data about a primary player's            performance may be gathered. Data about performance may            include data indicating a gross amount won, a net amount            won, an outcome obtained, a strategy used, and so on. Data            about performance may be aggregated over multiple games,            over multiple players, over multiple gaming devices, and so            on. In some embodiments, a numerical score may be assigned            to the strategy used by a primary player in a game. For            example, a primary player who uses an optimal or a            recommended strategy may receive a high score. A primary            player who uses a strategy that is not recommended or not            optimal may receive a lower score. For example, in a game of            video poker, a primary player may receive an integer score            from 1 to 32, each score corresponding to a possible            strategy that could be used by the primary player in the            game of video poker. It should be noted that in a game of            video poker where primary players can discard any            combination of cards from an initial five-card hand, there            are two to the fifth power, or 32 possible ways in which the            primary player may choose cards to discard. Thus, each way            in which the primary player may select discards may be            considered a separate strategy, and may therefore correspond            to a different score. The strategies may be ranked according            to which provide the highest expected winnings for the            player. The strategy which provides the highest expected            winnings may correspond to a score of 32. The strategy which            provides the next highest expected winnings may correspond            to a score of 31, and so on. As will be appreciated, scores            need not be integers or any other particular numbers. In            various embodiments, data about the strategies used by a            player over multiple games may be aggregated. In various            embodiments, scores assigned to a player based on his choice            of strategy in a game may be aggregated. For example, the            scores obtained by a primary player during individual games            may be added up to describe an aggregate score over multiple            games. In some embodiments, scores obtained by a primary            player during individual games may be averaged. As will be            appreciated, in various embodiments, low scores might            correspond to good strategies while high scores might            correspond to poor strategies. In various embodiments, a            data may be recorded about a primary player's choice of            strategy during a game of blackjack. Such a primary player            may be given a relatively high score, for example, if he            follows the recommendations of basic strategy, and            relatively low score, for example, if he does not.            -   Data about other performance metrics may be aggregated,                in various embodiments. In various embodiments, data                about amounts won may be aggregated over multiple games.                A statistic may indicate the total amount won by a                primary player, for example. A statistic may indicate                the total number of times a primary player has won.            -   In various embodiments, data about the performance of                multiple primary players may be aggregated. A statistic                may indicate which primary player or players has had a                distinguishing performance from among a group of primary                players. For example, a statistic may indicate which                primary player from a group of primary player has had                the best performance, according to some metric. For                example, a statistic may indicate which primary player                has had the highest gross winnings over the last hour,                or which primary player has used the best strategy over                the last hour. In various embodiments, the top X primary                players may be listed according to some performance                metric. In some embodiments, the bottom Y primary                players may be listed according to some performance                metric.            -   In various embodiments, the top performing primary                player may be periodically determined. The top                performing primary player may be determined using any                metric, such as gross winnings, net winnings, best                strategy, or any other metric or combination of metrics.                The top performing primary player may be determined, for                example, every minute, every ten minutes, every hour,                etc. In various embodiments, the top performing primary                player may be determined after each game played by any                primary player. For example, after a primary player                completes a game, the casino server may determine                whether that primary player has just accumulated enough                gross winnings to become the top performing primary                player. In various embodiments, the top performing                primary player is determined at irregular intervals. For                example, a first top performing primary player may be                determined. Five minutes later, a second top performing                primary player may be determined. Nine minutes later, a                third top performing primary player may be determined.                It will be appreciated that as primary players continue                to gamble, their relative performance may change, and                thus a primary player who used to be an average                performing primary player may become the top performing                primary player. For example, a primary player may win a                large jackpot and thereby become the top performing                primary player.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in the games of the current top performing                player. A secondary player may be continuously or                periodically informed of who is the top performing                primary player. For example, a name or other identifier                of the top performing primary player may be displayed on                the display screen of the secondary player's terminal or                mobile gaming device. The name of the primary player may                remain displayed on the display screen of the secondary                player until a new top performing primary player is                determined. The secondary player may elect or decide to                participate in the games only of the current top                performing primary player. In various embodiments, the                secondary player may elect to automatically participate                in the games of the current top performing primary                player. For example, the secondary player may make a                bet. It will then be understood by the casino server                that the bet is to be applied to a game of the currently                top performing primary player. Thus, for example, if the                currently top performing primary player wins, the                secondary player may win as well. If the currently top                performing primary player loses, the secondary player                may lose as well. In various embodiments, the casino                server may make it easiest or most convenient for the                secondary player to participate in the games of the                currently top performing primary player. For example,                the casino server may allow the secondary player to                press only a single button in order to place a bet and                participate in the game of the currently top performing                primary player. The secondary player may be able to                participate in the games of other primary players as                well, but may be required to perform extra steps in                order to do so. Thus, in various embodiments,                participation in games of the top performing primary                player may be the default option for a secondary player.            -   In various embodiments, an identifier (e.g., a name;                e.g., a handle) of the top performing primary player who                is currently active may be displayed. The casino server                may allow a secondary player to readily participate in                the games of such a primary player, (e.g., by making                participation the default option for the secondary                player). A primary player who is currently active may                include a primary player who has recently played a game.                For example, a primary player who is active may include                a primary player who has played a game in the last 10                seconds, the last minute, or within the most recent                predetermined time interval. In various embodiments, a                primary player who is currently active may include a                primary player who has a credit balance in a gaming                device. In various embodiments, a primary player who is                currently active may include a primary player who has                been playing at a certain rate (e.g., at 30 or more                games per minute). It will be appreciated that the top                performing primary player who is currently active may                include vary from moment to moment. For example, a first                primary player may initiate a game and may thereby be                the top performing currently active primary player. That                primary player may then pause for a few moments after                his game. Another primary player may, in the meantime,                initiate play of a game. That other primary player may,                as it happens, then be the top performing currently                active player.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a                bet. The bet may then count for the first game to be                initiated from among a group of primary players. For                example, a secondary player may place a bet of $1. The                casino server may determine which are currently the top                five performing primary players. The bet of the                secondary player may count towards the game of the first                of the five primary players to initiate a game. In this                way, the secondary player may enjoy a fast paced gaming                experience. Rather that following the pace of a single                player, the secondary player may participate in the                first game to start from any of a group of players. The                group of primary players may be defined by other                characteristics than just performance. For example, a                group of primary players may include a five players from                Mississippi. The secondary player may make a bet which                counts towards the first game to be initiated by any of                the five primary players. After the first game has come                to a conclusion, the secondary player may place a second                bet. The second bet may again count towards the first                game to be initiated by one of the five primary players                from Mississippi following the placement of the second                bet. However, the second bet may count towards a game of                a primary player other than the primary player for whose                game the first bet counted.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in the games of the second highest                performing primary player. For example, the secondary                player may participate in the games of the primary                player who has won the second most amount of money in                the last hour. In various embodiments, a secondary                player may participate in the games of the third highest                performing primary player. It will be appreciated that a                secondary player may participate in games of a primary                player who falls anywhere in the rankings according to                some metric, such as winnings, etc. In various                embodiments, a secondary player may automatically                participate in a game of a primary player who is second                in the rankings (e.g., second in terms of net winnings).                For example, the secondary player may place a bet and                then participate in the game of whatever primary player                happens to be second in terms of gross amounts won in                the last ten minutes. As another example, the secondary                player may have a bet placed for him automatically                (e.g., by the casino server) for a game of a primary                player who is third among all primary players in terms                of consecutive games won.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in a game of a primary player who is the                best performer among a subset of all primary players.                The subset of primary players may include primary                players of a particular demographic, primary players                playing a certain type of game (e.g., video poker),                primary players located in a certain area of the casino                (e.g., on the first floor), primary player located in a                particular casino, primary players located in a                particular geographic region (e.g., in a particular                city; e.g., in a particular neighborhood), and so on.                The best performing primary player among the subset may                be identified and displayed to the secondary player. The                secondary player may automatically participate in the                games of such a primary player.            -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may                automatically participate in a game of a primary player                who is the top performing primary player among primary                players playing a particular game of interest. For                example, the secondary player may wish to participate in                a game of blackjack. Accordingly, the secondary player                may place a bet which automatically counts towards a                blackjack game of a primary player who uses the best                strategy (e.g., as compared to optimal basic strategy)                in blackjack. In various embodiments, a top performing                primary player who is playing a particular game may be                identified and/or displayed to the secondary player. The                secondary player may then decide whether to participate                in the game of the primary player. In various                embodiments, the secondary player may participate in the                games of a top performing primary player among primary                players playing a particular denomination of game. For                example, the secondary player may wish to participate in                games being played at dollar denomination gaming                devices. The secondary player may thus participate in                the top performing primary player of all primary players                at dollar denomination gaming devices.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in the games of a top performing primary                player not just of the present, but of times in the past                as well. For example, a secondary player may participate                in the games of a primary player who played the prior                day. The primary player may have had the best                performance during a one-hour period of any primary                player during the past week. Accordingly, the secondary                player may participate in the games of the primary                player. The secondary player may participate in the                games of the primary player which occurred subsequent to                the one hour of top performance. For example, the                secondary player may participate in the game played by                the primary player immediately after the one-hour period                in which the primary player recorded the best                performance of any primary player during the past week.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                participate in the games of a primary player who is                currently playing and who had the top performance during                some time in the past. For example, the secondary player                may participate in the games of a primary player who was                the best performing primary player over a day-long                period of any primary player within the past week. The                primary player may not necessarily be the best                performing player during the current day or during the                most recent day. Nevertheless, the secondary player may                participate in the current games of the primary player.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                automatically participate in the current games of                primary players who were the top performers during some                moving window of time in the past. For example, suppose                the current time is 4:00 pm. The secondary player may                participate in a game of the currently active primary                player who was the best performer the prior day in the                hour from 3:00 pm to 4:00 pm. At 4:01 pm, the secondary                player may participate in a game of the currently active                primary player who was the best performer the prior day                in the hour from 3:01 pm to 4:01 pm, and so on.            -   In various embodiments, the secondary player may                participate in games of the worst performing primary                player. The secondary player may, for example, expect                that the luck of the worst performing primary player                will change. The secondary player may, for example, bet                against the worst performing primary player. In various                embodiments, a secondary player may automatically bet                against the currently worst performing primary player.                In various embodiments, the casino server may make it                easy for the secondary player to bet against the                currently worst performing primary player. For example,                the casino server may allow the secondary player to bet                against the currently worst performing primary player                with only a single button press.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may                automatically bet on a primary player who meets certain                criteria. The secondary player may bet without the                necessity of taking any action prior to the game. For                example, at the beginning of an hour, the secondary                player may indicate that he wishes to place one bet                every ten seconds for the next hour.            -   The bet is to be placed on a game of a primary player                who is the top performing primary player as of the time                the bet is placed. Thus, for the next hour, bets may be                made for the secondary player automatically without any                further input from the secondary player. As will be                appreciated, the secondary player may bet automatically                on the best performing player from a subset of players,                on the second best performing player, on the worst                performing player, against the worst performing player,                and so on.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on                best performing game, the best performing gaming device,                the best performing dealer, the best performing table,                the best performing sector of the casino, and so on. For                example, a secondary player may place a bet on the                gaming device that has paid the most in the last hour.                The secondary player may thus bet on different gaming                devices at different times. The secondary player may                automatically bet on the best performing gaming device.                For example, at the beginning of an hour, the secondary                player may indicate that he wishes his bets to be placed                automatically in games of the best performing gaming                devices. The secondary player may thus not be required                to make any further inputs for the next hour. As another                example, the casino server may make it especially easy                to place a bet on the best performing gaming device at                any given time. However, the secondary player may be                required to take some action, even a minimal action,                such as pressing a button.            -   In various embodiments, primary players meeting one or                more criteria may be listed. For example, the top ten                performing primary players may be listed. The primary                players may be listed, for example, on a prominent                display screen in a casino, or on a display screen of a                terminal used by a secondary player. A listing of a                primary player may reveal various information about the                primary player. For example, the listing may reveal the                first name of the primary player, the last name of the                primary player, the full name of the primary player, an                alias for the primary player, an amount won by the                primary player, and any other information about the                primary player.            -   In various embodiments, a primary player may indicate                how much information he is willing to reveal about                himself. Information that may be displayed or otherwise                revealed about a primary player may include: (a) a                name; (b) a first name; (c) a nickname; (d) a maiden                name; (e) a last name; (f) a middle name; (g) a full                name; (h) an initial; (i) an age; (j) a place of                residence; (k) a picture (e.g., a picture of the primary                player); (l) a performance metric of the primary player                (e.g., gross winnings; e.g., net winnings; e.g., number                of consecutive wins; e.g., largest amount won; e.g.,                current credit balance); (m) a handle that that the                primary player has chosen (e.g., “Topdog”; e.g.,                “Sportsnut”); (n) an alias for the primary player; (o) a                player tracking number; (p) a date of birth; (q) a                social security number; (r) a handle that the casino                server has generated for the primary player (e.g.,                “player 1032”); (s) a handle that the gaming device of                the primary player has generated for him (e.g., “slot                player 125”); (t) a gaming device identifier (e.g., an                identifier for the gaming device at which the primary                player is playing or has played); (u) an amount of                profits that the primary player has made; and any other                information.            -   In various embodiments, the primary player may indicate                information he is willing to reveal in various ways. For                example, the primary player may check off boxes next to                information he is willing to reveal. In various                embodiments, the primary player may fill out a profile,                such as a form with blank spots for receiving                information about the primary player. In various                embodiments, the primary player may inform a casino                representative about which information he is willing to                reveal.            -   Either before, during, or after a primary player                indicates information he is willing to reveal, the                casino may verify that the primary player truly wishes                to reveal such information. The casino may verify that                the primary player is competent to reveal such                information. In various embodiments, the casino may                verify that the primary player is of a certain minimum                age before presenting information about the primary                player to others (e.g., to secondary players). For                example, a representative of the casino may ask to see a                driver's license in order to verify the age of the                primary player. In various embodiments, the casino may                verify that the primary player is sober. For example,                the casino may give the primary player a sobriety test.                In various embodiments, the casino may reveal                information indicated by the primary player only if the                primary player is sober. In various embodiments, the                casino may reveal information indicated by the primary                player only if alcohol levels of the primary player fall                within certain limits (e.g., are less than a certain                level). In various embodiments, the casino may verify                that the primary player is not sick. For example, the                casino may have a doctor examine the primary players, or                may ask the primary player basic health questions. In                various embodiments, the casino may verify that the                primary player is in a sane or competent state of mind.                For example, the casino may administer a cognitive test                to the primary player. The casino may only present                information about the primary player if the primary                player passes the cognitive test, for example. In                various embodiments, the casino may use other criteria                for determining whether to present information that a                primary player has indicated he is willing to reveal. In                various embodiments, the casino may use various                criteria, such as those described above, to determine                whether or not to ask the primary player to reveal                information in the first place.            -   In various embodiments, once a primary player has                indicated which information he is willing to reveal, the                primary player may be asked to confirm one or more                times. For example, the primary player may be presented                with a list of information about himself that will be                revealed. The primary player may then be asked to press                a button, sign an area of a touch screen, apply a thumb                print, or to provide any other indication that he agrees                to reveal the information. In various embodiments, the                primary player may be presented with a display that                shows how his information will appear to others (e.g.,                when displayed on a public display screen; e.g., when                displayed on the terminal of a secondary player). The                primary player may be asked to confirm whether he really                would like his information displayed, and/or whether he                would like his information displayed in such a manner.                The primary player may then have the opportunity to                confirm or not.            -   In various embodiments, when a primary player gives                permission for information about himself to be revealed,                the permission may remain valid for a limited period of                time. For example, permission may remain valid for a                day. After the permission has expired, any information                for which the permission applies and which is currently                being displayed (e.g., on the terminal of a secondary                player) may be taken down. In various embodiments, there                may be a default period of validity for permission to                reveal information about a primary player. For example,                the default period may be 1 hour.            -   In various embodiments, a primary player may indicate                limitations on how his information will be revealed. For                example, the primary player may allow information to be                displayed on individual terminals or mobile gaming                devices, but not on more prominent public display                screens. The primary player may allow his information to                be displayed in certain areas of a casino but not in                others. For example, the primary player may only give                permission for his information to be revealed in                high-limit areas of the casino.            -   In various embodiments, the primary player may indicate                people to whom information may or may not be revealed.                For example, a primary player may only wish information                to be revealed to secondary players of a certain gender.                For example, a primary player may only wish information                to be revealed to people from a particular state. For                example, a primary player may wish that no person from                his home state be able to see certain information about                him.            -   In various embodiments, a primary player may be paid                based on the information he reveals. A primary player                may be paid for each piece of information he allows to                be revealed. A primary player may be paid based on the                length of time that he allows information about himself                to be presented. A primary player may be paid based on                the forum in which he allows information to be                presented. For example, the primary player may be paid                extra for allowing information to be displayed on a                prominent public display screen.            -   In various embodiments, a primary player may reveal                information gradually, and/or over time. For example, a                primary player may reveal a nickname. The primary player                may later decide to reveal his first name. Later, the                primary player may allow the revelation of his first and                last name. For example, as the primary player achieves                better performance, the primary player may take pride in                revealing his identity as a top performer. In various                embodiments, the primary player may be prompted to                reveal more information. For example, if a primary                player breaks into the top ten in terms of performance,                the casino may ask him whether he would like to reveal                more information. In various embodiments, the casino may                prompt the primary player to reveal performance metrics,                such as an amount won.        -   4.1.8. Top performing machines or dealers. E. g., the dealer            that is dealing the best hands for the player. For an            individual game, data about the performance of a gaming            device may be gathered. Performance data about a gaming            device may describe whether an outcome was a winning outcome            or a losing outcome, the amount paid for an outcome, the            amount paid for a game, the number of winning outcomes that            occurred during a game (e.g., the number of pay-lines that            included winning outcomes), whether or not a gaming device            was played, and so on. Performance data about individual            games at a gaming may be aggregated over multiple games at a            gaming device. A statistic may indicate a total amount paid            out by a gaming device over a period of time or over some            number of games. A statistic may indicate a gross amount of            winnings paid out or a net amount of winnings paid out over            a period of time or over some number of games. A statistic            may indicate how many games were played at a gaming device            over some period of time. A statistic may indicate a total            number of winning outcomes or a total proportion of winning            outcomes over some number of games or over some period of            time. In some embodiments, data about a player may be            recorded for an individual game. An aggregate statistic may            indicate the number of different players who have played a            gaming device over some period of time. A statistic may            indicate the average number of games played by a player at            the gaming device over some period of time. For example, in            the last day, the average number of games played by a player            at a gaming device may be 60. In various embodiments, data            about the performance of multiple gaming devices may be            aggregated. Top performing gaming devices may be listed. For            example, the 10 gaming devices which have paid the most in            the last hour may be listed. For example, the 10 gaming            devices which have paid the most as a multiple of the            average amounts bet may be listed. For example, the 10            gaming devices which have paid out the least in the last 3            hours may be listed. For example, all the gaming devices            which have made payouts of more than X amount in the last            hour may be listed.            -   In various embodiments, performance data about a game                with a particular dealer may be gathered. Performance                data may include data describing the payouts provided                for a game with the dealer, the net winnings for one or                more primary players in the game with the dealer, the                speed of the game with the dealer, the presence of                high-paying outcomes in the game of the dealer, the                amount of a tip or tips given to the dealer, and so on.                Performance data about a dealer may be aggregated over                multiple games. For example, a statistic may indicate                the average number of games dealt per unit time for the                dealer. A statistic may indicate the total payouts                received by primary players who have been in the games                of the dealer during the last hour. A statistic may                indicate the total amount of tips given to the dealer in                the last half hour.        -   4.1.9. Top performing sectors of a casino. E.g., the slot            machines in this bank have done the best. In various            embodiments, data about games which have occurred in a            sector or region of a casino may be aggregated. Data may be            aggregated for games played at a group of slot machines,            such as for a group of slot machines at a bank of slot            machines. Data may be aggregated for a set of gaming tables,            such as for a set of tables overseen by a single pit boss or            other casino employee. Data may be aggregated for a floor of            a casino or for a room of a casino. For example, data            related to the games played in a high-limit slot machine            room may be aggregated. In some embodiments, data may be            aggregated for slot machines of a given betting            denomination. For example, data may be aggregated for all            nickel slots. Data may be aggregated for all slot machines            with particular types of payouts. For example, data may be            aggregated for slot machines with progressive payouts. For            example, data may be aggregated for slot machines with top            payout ratios of 800 or more. In some embodiments, data may            be aggregated for slot machines of a particular type. For            example, data about games at mechanical slot machines may be            aggregated. For example, data about games at video slot            machines may be aggregated. Data may be aggregated for slot            machines which feature a particular game. For example, data            may be aggregated for all slot machines with a Scrabble™            theme. Thus, for example, the five video poker machines            which have paid the most in the last hour may be listed. The            five nickel slot machines which have provided primary            players with the highest winnings in the last hour may be            listed.        -   4.1.10. A list of current progressive amounts. In some            embodiments, data related to a current amount of a            progressive prize may be gathered. The size of one or more            progressive prizes at a given moment in time may be listed.            Progressive prizes may be listed in order of size. For            example, the Jumbo Bucko's progressive prize may be listed            as $50,149.75. The Super Gold Vein progressive prize may be            listed as $40,984.05, and so on.        -   4.1.11. Number of people at a casino or in particular areas            of a casino. In various embodiments, data about the number            of people at a casino or within a given area of a casino may            be gathered. Data may be gathered about: (a) the number of            people at a particular bank of slot machines; (b) the number            of people at a table game; (c) the number of people in a            restaurant; (d) the number of people on a particular floor            of the casino; (e) the number of people in the lobby of the            casino hotel; (f) the number of people at the casino            swimming pool; (g) the number of people in the room of the            high limit slot machines; (h) the number of people in the            poker room of the casino; (i) the number of people attending            a show; (j) the number of people at a boxing match at a            casino; and so on. In various embodiments, data may be            gathered in relation to the number of people with a certain            characteristic. For example, data may be gathered describing            the number of people from New Mexico, or the number of            people between the ages of 40 and 50 at a casino.        -   4.1.12. Slot machines that are most popular—e.g., most            heavily occupied. In various embodiments, data may be            gathered describing the use of a gaming device, such as a            slot machine or video poker machine. The number of games            played at a gaming device may be tracked. The number of            games played at a gaming device in a particular period of            time may be tracked. The amount wagered at a gaming device            may be tracked. Other items that may be tracked may            include: (a) the number of pay lines played; (b) the average            number of coins bet per pay-line; (c) the number of primary            players who play a gaming device in a particular period of            time; (d) the duration of a waiting period between when one            player gets up from a gaming device and when the next player            sits down; (e) the number of people in the vicinity of a            gaming device; and so on. In various embodiments, data about            the use or popularity of a gaming device may be aggregated            over multiple gaming devices. The aggregation may occur over            gaming devices that feature the same game; over gaming            devices that feature the same betting denomination; over            gaming devices from the same manufacturer; over gaming            devices with the same broad theme (e.g., over gaming devices            featuring any Monopoly® related game); over gaming devices            falling within the same broad category (e.g., over video            poker machines; e.g., over mechanical slot machines; e.g.,            over video slot machines; e.g., over video bingo machines);            over gaming devices in the same area of a casino; and so on.            In some embodiments, a statistic may describe the percentage            of time that a particular type of slot machine was occupied            during the last day. For example, a statistic may indicate            that video poker machines were occupied 40% of the time, on            average, over the last hour. In some embodiments, a            statistic may describe the average amount won at all dollar            denominated gaming devices in a casino in the last three            hours. In some embodiments, a statistic may describe the            average amount of money won by the casino per machine for            all machines based on the Wheel of Fortune® theme. In some            embodiments, a statistic may indicate the average amount of            time that elapsed between when one player got up and when            the next player sat down at a particular group of            progressive slot machines. In various embodiments,            information about slot machine utilization may be            transmitted to one or more financial markets for use in            evaluating the performance of a slot machine manufacturer.        -   4.1.13. All manners in which the player interacted with the            machine. In some embodiments, data may be gathered            describing how a primary player interacted with a gaming            device. Such data may provide insight into the mood of a            player. For example, a player who is slamming the button of            a gaming device may be frustrated or impatient.            -   4.1.13.1. He pressed the button hard. In various                embodiments, data may be gathered about how much                physical pressure a primary applied to a gaming device.                A primary player may apply pressure to a “spin” button,                to another button, to a handle, or to a touch screen,                for example. Pressure sensors or other sensors in the                gaming device may sense the pressure applied by a                player. Pressure may be detected as applied to any other                surface of a gaming device. For example, the pressure of                a drink or the pressure of a primary player leaning on                the surface of a gaming device may be detected with                pressure sensors. Sensors may detect strikes or blows to                the gaming device as well. For example, pressure sensors                or vibration sensors may detect kicks to the base of the                gaming device. Data about pressure may be aggregated                over multiple games, gaming devices, players, etc. For                example, a statistic may indicate that the average                pressure applied to a button was X pounds per square                inch for all gaming devices across the casino in the                last hour.            -   4.1.13.2. What is the precise time at which he presses                the button? In various embodiments, the time may be                recorded as to when a button was pressed at a gaming                device. For example, data may indicate that a button was                pressed at 11:45:02 AM. Data about the times when                buttons were pressed may be aggregated over multiple                games. For example, data about the times buttons were                pressed may allow the derivation of a statistic                describing the average length of time between games at a                gaming device. In some embodiments, a graph may show the                number of button presses across a casino as a function                of time. For example, each bar on the graph may                represent the number of button presses at a casino over                a period of time. The graph may indicate times of heavy                activity and times of light activity at a casino. For                example, activity may die down near the end of an hour                as gamers stop to make an appointment or find an                activity starting on the hour.            -   4.1.13.3. Does he press the button or pull the handle?                In some embodiments, data for a game may be gathered                describing how a primary player initiated play of the                game. Data may indicate whether a primary player pressed                a button, pulled a handle, had a game initiated                automatically on his behalf, or otherwise initiated a                game. Data about the way in which a game may be                initiated may be aggregated over multiple games. Such                data in aggregated form may be described by a statistic.                For example, a statistic may describe the number of                times a particular primary player pressed the button to                initiate a game during a particular period of time. For                example, a statistic may describe the number of times                any primary player in a casino pulled a handle to                initiate play at a gaming device during the day of Jan.                14, 2003.    -   4.2. How quickly does he pull the handle? In various        embodiments, data for a game may be gathered describing how        quickly a primary player initiated a series of games at a gaming        device. Data may include the time at which a primary player        initiated play of a game. Data may include a time difference        between the initiation of a first game and the initiation of a        second game. Data may be aggregated over multiple game        intervals. For example, a statistic may describe the average        time between when a primary player initiates a first game and        when the primary player initiates a second game. Data may be        aggregated over multiple primary players. For example, a        statistic may describe the average time between game initiations        for a group of primary players. In various embodiments, data may        be gathered for the time at which a payout is made, the time        when an outcome appears on the screen or in the viewing window,        or for any other event during a game. A time between games may        thereby be derived.    -   4.3. API. In various embodiments, APIs may be used to facilitate        data exchange and system interaction in accordance with various        embodiments. Sensors used to gather data may communicate data        gathered via APIs. For example, a software application may use        an API associated with a camera to retrieve image data from the        camera. A software application may use an API associated with a        pressure sensor to retrieve data from the sensor, e.g., data        about the weight of chips placed over the sensor. A software        application may use an API associated with a card reader to        retrieve data about the cards that have passed over the reader.        For example, the reader may be attached to a card shoe and may        thereby gather data about the cards dealt from the card shoe. In        various embodiments, a display may include an API. A software        application may interact with the display's API in order to        cause the display to display text, graphics, or animations.    -   4.4. Betting on aggregates of data. E.g., more than 200 reds on        roulette in a day, or 100 blackjacks. In various embodiments, a        secondary player may place a bet that a statistic will take a        certain value or range of values. The statistic may represent an        aggregate of data from two or more games. For example, a        secondary player may bet that a statistic describing the number        of “red” outcomes at any roulette wheel across a casino in the        next hour will have a value in the range of 200 to 250. In other        words, the secondary player may bet that there will be between        200 and 250 “red” outcomes at any roulette wheel in the casino        over the next hour. If, in the next hour, there are in fact        between 200 and 250 “red” outcomes, the player may receive his        bet back plus an additional payout. The additional payout may be        some function of the bet size, such as one times the bet size,        two times the bet size, or any other multiple of the bet size.        -   Embodiments described herein may apply to statistics about            the future or to historical statistics. For example, a            secondary player may bet that in the next hour, there will            be two payouts won at a casino exceeding $1000. Such a bet            may constitute a bet on a statistic about the future. As            another example, a secondary player may bet that between the            hours of 3:00 pm and 6:00 pm on Oct. 12, 2003, at a            particular machine at a particular casino, there were 200            losing outcomes generated. Such a bet may constitute a bet            on a statistic about the past. Although a secondary player            may make a bet about the past, the bet may still be based            upon a random or uncertain set of events, since the            secondary player may not be aware of what happened in the            past which was relevant to the statistic. Embodiments            described herein may apply to statistics about the present.            For example, a secondary player may bet that, for all video            poker games currently in progress, there are twenty games in            which the initial five-card hand dealt contains            three-of-a-kind or better. Embodiments described herein may            apply to statistics that encompass the past and the present,            to statistics that encompass the present and the future, to            statistics that encompass the past and the future, and to            statistics that encompass the past, present and future. For            example, a secondary player may bet that at a point in time            30 minutes into the future, there will have been twenty            bonus rounds achieved at a bank of slot machines in the past            50 minutes (i.e., in the period beginning 20 minutes before            the present and stretching to 30 minutes into the future).        -   4.4.1. Times and statistic initiations. In various            embodiments, a bet may be based on the value of a statistic            at certain times. In some embodiment, the bet is based on an            initialization value for a statistic. A statistic may take            an initial value of 0, for example. A statistic may take a            certain initial value at a designated time. The designated            time may be, for example, the time at which the bet is            placed, one minute after the bet is placed, the start of the            next hour (e.g., 8:00; e.g., 2:00), the start of the next            day, the start of the next month, and so on. For example, a            statistic may represent the number of times a royal flush            has been dealt at any video poker machine in a bank of            machines. The statistic may be initialized to zero at a            designated time and date, such as at 12:00 am on Oct.            1, 2010. The statistic may then increment by one for each            royal flush dealt at the bank of machines. In various            embodiments, a bet may be based on a second value of a            statistic. The second value of the statistic may be the            value of the statistic at a designated time. For example,            the second value of the statistic may be the value the            statistic takes one hour after the time of the            initialization value of the statistic. The second value of            the statistic may be the value the statistic takes three            hours, two days, or any designated time after the            initialization value of the statistic. To continue with a            prior example, the statistic which was initialized to 0 on            Oct. 1, 2010 may take its second value at 12:00 am on Nov.            1, 2010. Thus, a secondary player may bet that a statistic            which is initialized to the value of 0 at 12:00 am on Oct.            1, 2010 will take a value of between 30 and 40 at 12:00 am            on Nov. 1, 2010.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on                the value that a statistic will take at a certain period                of time, without any initialization time or value being                specified. The statistic may represent an ongoing                statistic, for example, that is updated generally                whether or not any bets are placed on the value of the                statistic. For example, a statistic may describe the                value of a particular progressive jackpot. A secondary                player may bet that the value of the statistic (and                thus, the value of the progressive jackpot) will be over                $1.2 million at 3:00 pm on Oct. 4, 2010. In some                embodiments, a casino may keep track of the number of                “red” outcomes and the number of “black” outcomes that                occur at all roulette wheels at a casino. For example,                at a particular point in time, a statistic describing                the number of “red” outcomes (e.g., since the beginning                of the week) may read “1204”, and a statistic describing                the number of “black” outcomes may read “1154”. A                secondary player may place a bet which wins if the                statistic describing the number of “red” outcomes                reaches 1300 in the next hour. A secondary player may                place a bet which wins if the difference between the                value of the “red” statistic and the value of the                “black” statistic is more than 100 one hour after the                bet is placed. In some embodiments, an ongoing statistic                may be transformed into a statistic with a desired                initialization value, e.g., through a simple                mathematical transformation. For example, a second                statistic may be defined as the value of a first                statistic less 1204. Thus, the aforementioned statistic                indicating that 1204 “red” outcomes had occurred at a                casino in some prior period may be converted into a                second statistic which will describe the number of “red”                outcomes to occur at a casino going forward from the                time the second statistic has been defined.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that                the value of a statistic will fall into a non-continuous                range. For example, a secondary player may place a bet                on the value of a statistic describing the number of                times a dealer busts at any blackjack game in a casino                during the next hour. The secondary player may bet that                the dealers will bust a total of between 50 and 75                times, or between 100 and 125 times. Thus, the secondary                player may win if the dealers bust 60 times or 110                times, but not if the dealers bust 90 times, for                example.        -   4.4.2. Bets on statistical values at multiple times. In            various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a            statistic will take on different values at different times.            In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a            statistic will fall into different ranges of values at            different times. In various embodiments, a secondary player            may bet on a path that a statistic will take. For example,            if the value of a statistic is plotted as a function of            time, the secondary player may bet that the plot will follow            a certain path and/or take a certain shape. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet that the value of a            statistic will fall within a first range at a first time and            within a second range at a second time. In various            embodiments, a secondary player may bet that the value of a            statistic will fall within a first range at a first time,            within a second range at a second time, and within a third            range at a third time. For example, a secondary player may            bet that a statistic describing the number of sevens rolled            at a craps table starting from 8:00 am will fall between 15            and 20 at 9:00 am, and between 40 and 50 at 10:00 am. Thus,            the secondary player will win his bet if there have been 18            sevens rolled at 9:00 am and 44 sevens rolled at 10:00 am.            However, the secondary player will not win his bet if there            have not been between 15 and 20 sevens by 9:00 am or if            there have not been between 40 and 50 sevens by 10:00 am.            -   In some embodiments, a secondary player may win a bet if                the value of a statistic satisfies a first condition at                a first time or a second condition at a second time. For                example, suppose that a statistic describes the number                of times any primary player has received a blackjack at                a particular blackjack table since 4:00 pm. The                secondary player may place a bet which wins if the                statistic has a value between 10 and 20 at 4:30, or                which wins if the statistic has a value between 30 and                40 at 5:00.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a                bet which wins based on the value of the statistic                meeting any defined condition or combination of                conditions. For example, a secondary player may win a                bet if a statistic satisfies any 3 of 4 defined                conditions.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that                a statistic will take on a particular value during a                particular period of time. For example, a secondary                player may bet that the total number of “bell” symbols                to appear at a particular slot machine since 7:00 pm                will reach 40 between 8:00 pm and 8:10 pm. If the value                of the statistic reaches 40 at 8:01 pm, for example,                then the secondary player will win. However, if the                value of the statistic reaches 40 at 8:13 pm, then the                secondary player will lose. In various embodiments, a                secondary player may bet that the value of a statistic                will fall within a certain range of values during a                certain time period. For example, a particular statistic                may describe the number of outcomes with payouts of more                than 30 coins that have occurred at a particular slot                machine since 9:00 am. The secondary player may bet that                the value of the statistic will be in the range of 5 to                10 sometime between 9:30 am and 9:35 am. The secondary                player would win his bet, for example, if the value of                the statistic was at 5 at 9:35 am, or was at 10 at 9:30                am. However, the secondary player would lose his bet,                for example, if the value of the statistic had already                reached 11 by 9:30 am, or hadn't yet reached 5 by 9:35                am.        -   4.4.3. Bets on combinations of statistics. A first statistic            will take a first range of values and a second statistic            will take a second range of values. In some embodiments, a            secondary player may bet on the values of two or more            statistics. For example, a secondary player may bet that a            first statistic will reach a first value and that a second            statistic will reach a second value at a designated time.            For example, a secondary player may bet that the ace of            spades will be dealt 200 times in the next hour at a bank of            video poker machines, and that the ace of hearts will be            dealt 210 times in the next hour at the same bank of            machines. The secondary player may win his bet if both the            ace of spades is dealt 200 times in the next hour and the            ace of hearts is dealt 210 times in the next hour. If the            ace of spades is not dealt exactly 200 times, or the ace of            hearts is not dealt exactly 210 times, then the secondary            player may not win the bet. In some embodiments, a secondary            player may bet that either a first statistic will reach a            first value or a second statistic will reach a second value.            For example, a secondary player may bet that either the            number 3 will occur 20 times at a roulette wheel in the next            day, or that the number 7 will occur 20 times at a roulette            wheel in the next day. In various embodiments, a secondary            player may bet that any combination of conditions will be            met by a set of one or more statistics. For example, a            secondary player may place a bet involving four statistics            in which a separate condition applies to each statistic. The            secondary player may win the bet if at least two of the            conditions are met. For example, the secondary player may            win a bet if at least two of the following are true: (a)            there are at least 20 outcomes that occur at a gaming device            between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm that pay more than 20 coins; (b)            there are at least 3 bonus rounds that occur at the gaming            device between 3:00 pm and 4:00 pm; (c) the net winnings of            a primary player at the gaming device between 3:00 pm and            4:00 pm are less than 5 coins; and (d) there are between 20            and 30 payouts at the gaming device between 3:00 pm and 4:00            pm that consist of an odd number of coins.        -   4.4.4. Conditional bets. The player bets there will be            between 95 and 105 reds if there are 200 spins. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may make a bet that pays            based on a statistic having a particular range of values,            but which is conditional on some other circumstance. For            example, a secondary player may bet that there will be            between 200 and 250 losing outcomes at a gaming device            during the period between 4:00 pm and 5:00 pm on Nov. 12,            2001, but only if there are at least 300 games played at the            gaming device. If the condition is not met, then the bet may            be considered void or a tie. If the condition is not met,            then a different condition may apply. For example, a            secondary player may bet that there will be between 200 and            250 losing outcomes if there are at least 300 games played,            and that that there will be between 100 and 125 losing            outcomes if there are less than 300 games played.        -   4.4.5. The statistic may pay differently for different            values. In various embodiments, a secondary player may make            a bet which pays a first amount if a statistic has a first            value, a second amount if a statistic has a second value,            and a third amount if a statistic has a third value. For            example, a secondary player may bet on a statistic            describing the number of times the banker wins in a game of            baccarat during a particular one-hour period. If the banker            wins between 15 and 20 times, the secondary player may            receive his bet back plus an additional amount equal to his            bet. If the banker wins more than 20 times, the secondary            player may receive his bet back plus an additional amount            equal to twice his bet. If the banker wins less than 15            times, the secondary player may lose his bet. In some            embodiments, a secondary player may win an amount that is a            linear or affine function of a statistic over a certain            range of possible values of the statistic. For example, a            secondary player may bet on the number of times that a            particular primary player's two-card hand in a game of pai            gow poker will beat the banker's two-card hand, in a            particular one-hour period. The secondary player may win an            amount equal to B×0.1×(N−15), for any N>15, where N            represents the number of times that the particular primary            player's two-card hand wins, and B represents the bet amount            made by the secondary player. For example, if N is equal to            25, then the secondary player will win B×0.1×(25−15), or B.            If N<=15, then the secondary player may win nothing and,            e.g., lose his bet. It will be appreciated that a statistic            could simply be defined to equal B×0.1×(N−15), or any other            function of a simpler statistic. In the former case, the            secondary player's payout might be defined by the statistic.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may make a                bet. The bet may designate a particular value of a                statistic. For example, a statistic may represent the                number of times that the banker wins during a particular                hour at a particular table of pai gow power. The                designated value of the statistic may be 20. The payout                to the secondary player may increase by a certain amount                for each unit by which the statistic exceeds the                designated amount. For example, for each number of times                above 20 that the banker wins, the secondary player's                payout may go up by $1. In some embodiments, the payout                to a secondary player may increase for each unit below a                designated value that a statistic falls. For example, a                statistic may represent the number of times that a war                is initiated in the game of casino war at a particular                table during a particular three-hour period. The                designated value may be 10. A payout to a secondary                player may increase by $5 for each unit below 10 that                the statistic falls. For example, if the value of the                statistic is 9, then the secondary player may win $5. If                the value of the statistic is 8, the secondary player                may win $10, and so on. If the value of the statistic is                10 or above, then the secondary player may win nothing.                The secondary player may lose his bet.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may lose more                than the amount of his bet depending on the value of a                statistic. For example, if a statistic reaches a certain                value, the secondary player may lose twice the amount of                his bet. Thus, the secondary player may lose the                original amount of his bet and may be further obligated                to supply an additional amount equal to the original                amount of his bet. In various embodiments, a secondary                player may lose more money the further the value of a                statistic departs from a designated value. For example,                a designated value for a statistic may be 20. The                secondary player may lose $1 if the actual value of the                statistic is 19, $2 if the actual value of the statistic                is 18, $3 if the actual value of the statistic is 17,                and so on.            -   In various embodiments the secondary player may make a                spread bet based on the value of a statistic. A spread                bet may include a designated value of the statistic. If                the actual value of the statistic is greater than the                designated value, then the secondary player may be paid                in proportion to the amount by which the actual                statistic is greater. If the actual value of the                statistic is less than the designated value, the                secondary player may lose an amount that is proportional                to the amount by which the actual statistic is less. A                secondary player may also lose if the actual value of a                statistic is greater than a designated value, and win if                the actual value of the statistic is less than the                designated value. For example, a secondary player may                win an amount that is proportional to the amount by                which the actual value of the statistic is less than the                designated value of the statistic. The secondary player                may lose an amount that is proportional to the amount by                which the actual value of the statistic is greater than                the designated value of the statistic.            -   In various embodiments, a spread bet may include a                constant that is added to a payout or to an amount owed                by a secondary player. For example, a secondary player                may be paid an amount which is proportional to the                difference between an actual value of a statistic and a                designated value of a statistic plus a constant. The                constant may be positive or negative. For example, a                secondary player may be paid an amount equal to                $1×(A−D)+c, where A is the actual value of a statistic,                D is the designated value of the statistic, and c is a                constant. In various embodiments, the secondary player                may be paid an amount equal to $1*k*(A−D)+c, where k is                a constant. In various embodiments, the secondary player                may be paid $1*k*(A−D)+c₁ if A>D, and $1*k*(A−D)+c₂ if                A≦D, where c₁ and c₂ are two different constants. In                various embodiments, the secondary player may be paid                $1*k*(A−D)+c₁ if A>D, $1*k*(A−D)+c₂ if A<D, and c₃ if                A=D, where c₁, c₂, and c₃ are three different constants.        -   4.4.6. Betting on the aggregation of craps rolls. In various            embodiments, a statistic may describe a summation of numbers            that arise from two or more games or from two or more            events. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of            the point totals a player has achieved in three games of            blackjack. For example, if a player achieves a hand with a            point total of 16 in a first game of blackjack, a hand with            a point total of 21 in a second game of blackjack, and a            hand with a point total of 14 in a third game of blackjack,            then the value of the statistic may be 51. A statistic may            represent the sum of point totals from two or more primary            players in a single game of blackjack. For example, a            statistic may represent the sum of point totals from the            hands of Bob, Joe, and Sam, all of whom participate in the            same game at a particular gaming table in a casino. In some            embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of point            totals for both player and dealer hands. In some            embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum of dealer            point totals from multiple games. In some embodiments, a            statistic may represent a sum of card point totals. For            example, a statistic may represent the sum of points from            every card dealt during a game, or for every card dealt            during a plurality of games.            -   In some embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum                of numbers revealed on tiles or dominoes in a game. For                example, a statistic may represent the sum of numbers                revealed on dominoes in the game of pai gow.            -   In some embodiments, a statistic may represent the sum                of numbers achieved during two or more rolls of dice.                Such dice rolls may occur in craps, in sic bo, or in any                other game. In a game of craps, a statistic may                represent the sum of two or more dice rolls during a                game. For example, a statistic may represent the sum of                all dice rolls made between when a pass-line bet is made                and when the pass-line bet is resolved (e.g., in the                player's favor, e.g., in the dealer's favor). As another                example, a statistic may represent the sum of a fixed                number of rolls made during a game. For example, a                statistic may represent the sum of the first three rolls                made during a game of craps. In some embodiments, a                statistic may represent the sum of rolls made in two or                more separate games. For example, a statistic may                represent the sum of the rolls made in five consecutive                games of craps.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may place a                bet with a payout that depends on the value of statistic                representing the sum of points, dice rolls, or any other                numbers. For example, a secondary player may place a bet                that a statistic representing the sum of three dice                rolls in craps will have a value in excess of 21. The                secondary player may win the amount of his bet if the                value of the statistic exceeds 21, and lose the value of                his bet otherwise. Suppose, to continue the above                example, that the three dice rolls are 10, 6, and 8. The                value of the statistic would then be 24, which is the                sum of 10, 6, and 8. The secondary player would                therefore win the amount of his bet.            -   In another example, a secondary player may place a bet                on the value of a statistic that represents the sum of                the first roll of the dice from each of the next five                craps games. The player may win if the value of the                statistic is less than 32, but lose otherwise. Suppose,                for the next five games, the first rolls occur as                follows: 4, 7, 9, 5, 9. Accordingly, the value of the                statistic would be 34. Thus, in this example, the                secondary player would lose.            -   In various embodiments, a statistic may represent the                sum of rolls from multiple different craps tables. For                example, a statistic may represent the sum of all rolls                at every craps table at a casino during a given                five-minute period. For example, a statistic may                represent the sum of the next roll at each of five craps                tables.            -   In various embodiments, a statistic may represent the                sum of numbers rolled on individual dice. For example, a                statistic may represent the sum of the lowest die in                each of the next three rolls. For example, let the                ordered pair (x, y) represent a single roll with x                representing the number on one die in the roll and y                representing the number on the other die in the roll.                Suppose the next three rolls occur as follows: (3, 5);                (6, 4); (1, 3). The value of the statistic would be                equal to the sum of 3, 4, and 1, which is equal to 8.            -   In various embodiments, a statistic may represent any                function of points, rolls of the dice, or other numbers.                For example, a statistic may represent the product of                dice rolls. For example, if three dice rolls are 4, 3,                and 10, the statistic may take the value of 120, which                is equal to the product of 4, 3, and 10.            -   In various embodiments, a secondary player may make a                bet whose payout depends on the actual value of a                statistic relative to a designated value. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may make a bet whose                payout is proportional to a difference between the                actual value of a statistic and a designated value of                the statistic. Such a bet may be referred to as a spread                bet, in some embodiments. For example, a secondary                player may place a bet on the value of a statistic                representing the sum of three rolls of dice in a game of                craps. The designated value may be 21. The player may                receive $1 for every unit that the actual value of the                statistic exceeds the designated value of 21. For                example, if the actual value of the statistic turns out                to be 24, then the player may receive $3. In some                embodiments, a secondary player may owe an amount that                is proportional to the amount by which the actual value                of the statistic is less than the designated value. For                example, if the actual value of the statistic turns out                to be 14, then the player may owe an amount equal to                $10. Any amount previously provided by the secondary                player may count towards the amount owed. For example,                the amount of a bet previously placed by the secondary                player may count towards the amount owed.

Mobile Device Interacts with a Proximate Game

In various embodiments, a player (e.g., a primary player; e.g., asecondary player) may carry a mobile device. The mobile device mayprovide an interface via which the player may participate in a game. Themobile device may receive data from a casino server, from a gamingdevice, from a gaming table, or from any other source. The data mayinclude game data. Based on the data, the mobile device may create orrecreate a depiction of a game. For example, the data received by themobile device may include data indicating cards that have been dealt ina game, numbers that have been rolled on dice, numbers which have beendetermined in a roulette game, and so on. Based on the data, the mobiledevice may create or recreate a depiction of a slot machine game, avideo poker game, a roulette game, or any other game. In someembodiments, the mobile device may indicate, e.g., via text on a displayscreen, the events that occurred in a game without graphically depictingthe game. The mobile device may include input devices such as buttons,touch pads, track balls, keys, touch screens, microphones, and so on.The mobile device may accept commands and other inputs from the playervia the input devices. The mobile device may receive from the playerinputs indicating an amount to bet on a game, a strategy to be used in agame, a decision to be made in a game, a bet to be made in a game, andso on. The mobile device may transmit any inputs received from theplayer to the casino server, to a gaming device (e.g., to a slotmachine), to a gaming table, to a dealer, to a croupier, or to any otherentity that is conducting a game. The mobile device may communicate viaan intermediary with an entity conducting a game. For example, themobile device may transmit data to and receive data from a casinoserver. The casino server may, in turn, transmit data to and receivedata from a table game. In this way, the table game and the mobiledevice may communicate through the casino server.

Using the mobile device, the player may participate in a live game. Ifthe player is acting as a primary player, then the player may initiatethe play of the game and make decisions in the game. If the player isacting as a secondary player, then the player may place a bet on a gameof a primary player.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may be configured to select anentity conducting a game based on the location of the entity and/orbased on the location of the game. For example, a mobile device may beconfigured to select a table game of blackjack that is located within100 feet of the mobile gaming device. Accordingly, the mobile device maybegin receiving data from the table game and transmitting data to thetable game. The mobile device may transmit to the table game anindication that the player wishes to make a bet and start a new game. Adealer at the table game may receive instructions from the mobiledevice. For example, a wireless receiver at the table game may receiveinstructions from the mobile device and cause them to be displayed on amonitor at the table game. The dealer may follow the instructions. Forexample, the dealer may deal cards at a new position at the table. Theposition may remain physically unoccupied. Nevertheless, the cards mayrepresent the cards of the player who is playing via the mobile device.As events occur in the table game, data about such events may betransmitted to the mobile device. For example, the cards dealt to thehand of the player may be read by a reader on the card shoe as they aredealt. Data indicative of the cards may be transmitted to the mobiledevice via a wireless transmitter at the table. The mobile device mayreceive the data and display game information to the player based on thereceived data. The player may input game decisions, such as hit or standdecisions, after which such decisions may be transmitted back to thegame table by the mobile device. The process may continue through onegame or through a whole series of games.

In various embodiments, a mobile device may initiate communication witha table game, gaming device, or other entity that is most proximate tothe mobile device. For example, the mobile device may determine that aparticular slot machine is the closest slot machine to the mobiledevice. Accordingly, the mobile device may initiate communication withthe slot machine. The player with the mobile device may then participatein the games of the slot machine. The player may participate as aprimary player or as a secondary player, in various embodiments. If theplayer participates as a primary player, the mobile gaming device mayreceive an amount of a bet from the player and then transmit a signal tothe gaming device, thereby triggering the gaming device to generate anoutcome. Thus, the gaming device may be triggered to spin and generatean outcome without the physical presence of a player directly in frontof the gaming device. For example, the player may be located ten feetaway from the gaming device, yet the gaming device may initiate a gameand generate an outcome in response to a signal from the mobile device.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communicationwith a table, gaming device, game, or other computing device that relaysinformation to and from a game, based on the proximity of the game andbased on the type of game. For example, the mobile device may initiatecommunication with the closest game that is a video poker game. Forexample the mobile device may initiate communication with the closestgame that is a blackjack game. For example, the mobile device mayinitiate communication with the closest game that is a craps game.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communicationwith a game based on the presence of a primary player at the game. Forexample, the player with the mobile device may wish to act as asecondary player in a game of blackjack. Accordingly, the player maywish to find the nearest game of blackjack in which there is already aprimary player participating. The player with the mobile device may thenact as a secondary player and participate in the game of the existingprimary player. In various embodiments, if the player with the mobiledevice wishes to act as a primary player, the mobile device may initiatecommunication with a game where there is a spot available for a primaryplayer. For example, a player with a mobile device may wish toparticipate in a game of blackjack as a primary player. The mobiledevice may initiate communication with a blackjack table at which atleast one seat is unfilled. The player with the mobile device may playin the game of blackjack as a primary player. However, in variousembodiments, the player with the mobile device need not actually sitdown at the table. The dealer may simply deal cards to a particular spotwhich is understood to belong to the player with the mobile device. Theplayer with the mobile device may make game decisions and key them intothe mobile device. The mobile device may communicate the decisions tothe blackjack table (e.g., to a computing device withtransmitting/receiving antenna situated on the blackjack table). Thedecisions of the player may then be communicated to a dealer who maythen act based on the decisions, e.g., by dealing or not dealing cards.

In various embodiments, a mobile device may initiate communication witha game, a gaming device, a device which is associated with a game, etc.,based on a number of factors. A mobile device may communicate with agame based on: (a) the type of game (e.g., poker; e.g., blackjack; e.g.,slot machine); (b) based on the amount of the bet required at the game(e.g., the mobile device may initiate communication with a game only ifthe minimum bet required is less than $25; e.g., the mobile device mayinitiate communication with a game only if the minimum bet required isgreater than $1); (c) the availability of a spot at the game; (d) basedon the presence of a particular dealer (e.g., the mobile device mayinitiate communication with a game if dealer Joe Smith is dealing); (e)based on historical outcomes of the game (e.g., the mobile device mayinitiate communication with a game if the last 5 games played werewinning games; e.g., the mobile device may initiate communication with agame if primary players at the game have lost more than $100 in the lasthour); (f) based on the proximity of the game to the mobile device; (g)based on the location of the game; (h) based on the location of themobile device; and so on.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may initiate communicationwith a game automatically once a triggering condition has been met. Forexample, when the mobile device comes within ten feet of a blackjackgame, communication may be automatically initiated between the game andthe mobile device. Communication may be triggered without input from theplayer with the gaming device. The triggering conditions may, however,have been previously entered or defined by the player with the mobiledevice.

The mobile device may have various ways of determining if the mobiledevice is proximate to a game. The mobile device may include a locationsensor or detector. For example, the mobile device may include a GPSreader. For example, the mobile device may receive signals from multiplefixed beacons with known locations and triangulate its own locationbased on arrival times of the signals from the fixed beacons. The mobiledevice may store records of the locations of various games. For example,the mobile device may include an internal map detailing the locations ofvarious games. If the mobile device determines that it is at aparticular location, and finds that the particular location happens tobe close to the location of a game (e.g, as determined from the internalmap), then the mobile device may determine that the mobile device isproximate to the game. The mobile device may thereby initiatecommunication with the game.

In various embodiments, a game (e.g., a gaming device; e.g., a tablegame) may include a beacon or antenna that broadcasts signals within ashort range. For example, a game may include a radio frequencyidentification (RFID) tag. The signal broadcast by the game may bedetectable within a certain radius of the game. The mobile device mayinclude a receiver which is capable of detecting the signal broadcastfrom the game. If the mobile device detects the signal, the mobiledevice may initiate communication with the game.

In various embodiments, a game (e.g., a gaming device; e.g., a tablegame) may initiate communication with a mobile device. In variousembodiments, a game may detect when the mobile device is proximate. Forexample, the mobile device may contain an antenna that broadcastssignals within a short radius of the mobile device. For example, themobile device may include a radio frequency identification (RFID) tag. Agame may detect the presence of the tag and may initiate communicationwith the mobile device.

In various embodiments, the mobile device may broadcast signals. Thesignals may be detected at fixed detectors at known locations, e.g., atknown locations in a casino. The position of the mobile device may thenbe triangulated using methods well known to those skilled in the art.For example, based on the travel time of the signal to a fixed detector,a circle may be drawn around the detector indicating possible locationsof the mobile device. With several detectors in place, multiple circlesmay be drawn. The mobile device may be assumed to be located where thecircles all intersect, or come close to intersecting. The casino servermay be in communication with the detectors. The casino server maythereby derive the location of the mobile device. The casino server maycompare the location of the mobile device to known locations of a game.If the mobile device is found to be proximate to a game, the casino mayalert the game and/or the mobile device of the proximity. The mobiledevice may thereupon initiate communication with the game or vice versa.

In various embodiments, a player may participate at a table game via amobile device. The player may enter bets into the mobile device. Theplayer may have an account balance with the casino. For example, theplayer may have $10,000 on deposit with the casino. As the player entersa bet, the amount of the bet may be deducted from the player's accountbalance. When the player wins money in a game, the amount of the win maybe added to the player's account balance. In various embodiments, theplayer may place bets through the mobile device without such bets beingrevealed to other players. For example, the player with the mobiledevice may enter bets into the mobile device (e.g., by keying in anamount of the bet) without having to actually place chips on a gamingtable. The player with the mobile device thus avoids a situation whereother players can see how many chips are being bet by the player withthe mobile device. The ability to place a bet without the amount of thebet being revealed to other players (or to spectators) may be importantto a player. A player who is betting a lot of money may wish to avoidattracting attention of potential thieves, for example. A player mayalso benefit from not having to carry large amounts of money away from atable. For example, a player may win $40,000 at a table. Rather thangathering his $40,000 in chips and leaving, the player may have hiswinning stored in his account with the casino, where they cannot easilybe stolen.

The ability of a mobile device to communicate with a game and to allowthe player with the mobile device to participate in the game may offeradditional benefits. In some embodiments, a table game may be full. Forexample, every seat at a blackjack table may be currently occupied byplayers. The player with the mobile device may nevertheless be able toparticipate in a game at the table. For example, the dealer may deal anextra hand for the player with the mobile device and place such a handin a spot with no seat in front of it (e.g., in a spot close to thedealer).

In various embodiments, a player may use a handheld device whether thedevice is used to play a primary game (e.g., against the dealer) orwhether the device is used to play a secondary game.

In various embodiments, a player participating in table game using amobile device may send a tip to the dealer of the game using the mobiledevice. For example, the player may use input devices (e.g., keys; e.g.,a touch screen) on the mobile device to indicate a desire to provide atip and to indicate an amount of a tip. The amount of the tip may bededucted from an account balance that the player has with the casino.The amount of the tip may be credited to an account of the dealer. Thedealer may be authorized to take an amount of chips equal to the tipfrom the table and put such chips in his pocket, for example. Using amobile device, a player may indicate: (a) an amount of a tip to provide;(b) a message to be associated with the tip (e.g., “Hi, this tip is fromJoe”; e.g., “Hi, thanks for the cards last hand!”); (c) a dealer towhich to provide the tip (e.g., the player may be simultaneouslyparticipating in games at two or more tables and may need to specify adealer); (d) whether or not the tip will be provided anonymously; and soon. In various embodiments, when a tip is sent to a dealer, the dealeris informed of the originator of the tip. In this way, the playersending the tip can receive his due appreciation from the dealer. Ascreen at a game table may provide a message indicating who provided thetip. For example, the screen may display a message for the dealersaying, “John Brown just gave you a $5 tip.” In some embodiments, thedealer may view a picture of the player providing the tip. In this way,the dealer may be able to see visually who among the players standingnear the table provided the tip. In various embodiments, a dealer mayreceive a message saying that a tip came from a mobile device player inthe area. For example, the message might say, “a mobile device player inthe area has just given you a tip of $1”.

In various embodiments, a player may participate in a game via a remotedevice or terminal. A player may participate via a fixed terminalcontaining a display screen, processor, memory and communication device,for example. A player may also participate via a mobile device. Invarious embodiments, a remote terminal can play a game on behalf of theplayer. In various embodiments, a remote device may make game decisionson behalf of the player. Such game decisions may include decisions ofwhether to hit or stand in blackjack and decisions on which cards todraw in a game of video poker. In various embodiments, a remote devicemay make decisions as to how much to bet. Decisions about amounts to betmay include decisions about how much to bet at the start of a game,decisions about whether or not to add to a bet (e.g., decisions aboutwhether to double down in a game of blackjack) and decisions about howmuch to bet during the course of a game (e.g., during the course of agame of poker).

The player at the remote terminal may authorize the remote device tomake decision in a game on his behalf. The player may, for example, typein his initials to indicate that he is authorizing the terminal to makegame decisions on his behalf. The player may specify constraints orparameters for the decisions. For example, the player may specify anamount of a bet to be made on any given game, a maximum amount of a betto be made on any given game, a total number of games to be played, andso on. In some embodiments, a player may authorize the remote device tomake bets on games until the player has won or lost a certain amount.For example, the player may authorize the device to continue betting onbehalf of the player until the player has either doubled his currentbankroll (e.g., an amount the player has on deposit with the casino) oruntil the player has lost half of his bankroll. In various embodiments,the player may specify a strategy to be used in a game. For example, theplayer may specify what action should be taken in a game of blackjackshould the player have 10 points and should the dealer have a three faceup. In some embodiments, the player may select from two or morepre-defined strategies. For example, a player may tell indicate that hewishes to use a predefined “risky” strategy or a predefined‘conservative” strategy. In some embodiments, the player may authorizethe terminal to play according to an optimal strategy and/or to playaccording to a strategy that maximizes a parameter, such as an expectedamount to be won from a game.

A player at a remote terminal may specify various rules for betting.Rules for betting may include one or more of the following; (a) theterminal is to bet a fixed amount on every game (e.g., $2 on everygame); (b) the terminal is to bet an amount on a given game whichdepends on the result (e.g., win, lose) of the prior game; (c) theterminal is to bet an amount which doubles after every loss, but whichis $1 after every win; (d) the terminal is to bet until X amount intotal is won; (e) the terminal is to bet until X amount in total islost; (f) the terminal is always to bet the maximum possible amount; (g)the terminal is to bet X pay-lines (e.g., in a slot machine game); andso on. Rules for betting may further include a number of games to playat once (e.g., 3 games are to be played at once; an amount of time towait between playing games, and so on. If the player at the remoteterminal is a secondary player, rules for the terminal to follow mayinclude rules detailing the way primary players will be selected. Rulesfor selecting primary players may include rules for selecting primaryplayers based on demographic information; rules for selecting primaryplayers based on the games being played by the primary players; rulesfor selecting primary players based on historical outcomes of theplayers; rules for selecting primary players based on amounts beingwagered by the primary players; rules for selecting primary playersbased on a strategy being used by the primary players, and so on.

In various embodiments, a mobile device may allow a player toparticipate in a nearby game (e.g., as a secondary player), or to playin a nearby game as a primary player. A mobile device may also allow aplayer to view statistics about a nearby game, such as who is playing,how many hands have been won by players at the table in the last hour,how many hands have been won by dealers in the last hour, how much moneyin tips the dealer has received in the last 15 minutes, what thecombined gross winnings are for the table over the last hour, and so on.

A mobile device may indicate to a player which games are nearby and/orwhich games are available for the player to play in or participate in.The mobile device may provide a list of available games for the playerto play or participate in. For example, the mobile device may displaythe following text: “$25 Blackjack game with four primary players; $10blackjack game with 6 primary players; $5 roulette table with 5 primaryplayers; $1 Monopoly Slot Machine; $0.25 Video Poker Machine . . . .”Thus, the player holding the mobile device may be able to choose one ofthe list tables or gaming devices so that he may participate in thegames at such tables or gaming devices. Once the secondary player haschosen a game or table, he may also be able to choose a particularprimary player in whose games to participate. For example, after theplayer has chosen a table, the mobile device may provide a list of thenames of primary players at that table along with one or more datapoints or statistics about the primary players (e.g., net winnings inthe last hour; e.g., age). The player with the mobile device may thenget a chance to choose a primary player in whose game to participate. Invarious embodiments, a player with a mobile device may also view a listof games where he can play as a primary player. For example, a list mayread, “$10 Craps Table, one spot open; $5 Blackjack Table, 3 spots open. . . .” In various embodiments, if there are games or tables nearby butno available spots, the player with the mobile device may have theopportunity to join a waiting list to either player in a game orparticipate in a game. A player may then have the opportunity toperiodically view his place on the waiting list, e.g., by clicking on a“view waiting list” button on his mobile device.

A list of nearby games or tables may be presented in various formats toa player holding a mobile device. Some formats of the list may includetext, such as text descriptions of the various games. Some formats ofthe list may include visual representations of a game, of a primaryplayer at the game, of a dealer, or of any other aspect of a game. Forexample, a mobile device may present to a player holding a mobile devicea list consisting of a set of pictures of dealers. The dealers shown inthe pictures may be the very dealers who are currently working at nearbygames available for the player's participation. A mobile device maypresent a list of games by presenting: (a) pictures of dealers; (b)pictures of primary players at the games; (c) pictures of the gamesthemselves (e.g., pictures of gaming tables taken from overhead; e.g.,pictures of gaming devices); (d) pictures of games in progress (e.g.,pictures of hands laid out after each primary player has received cardsin a game of blackjack); (e) avatars or other simulated depictions ofdealers or primary players; (f) simulate depictions of games; (g)pictures of game indicia; (h) simulated representations of game indicia;or any other visual representation of a game, or any other visualrepresentation of an aspect of a game, or any other visualrepresentation. In various embodiments, a list of nearby games mayinclude video feeds from the games. For example, a list may include aseries of small windows or icons. Inside the windows may be playingvideo feed from the action at the games represented. For example, afirst window may contain a miniature video feed from a first blackjacktable which is near to the mobile device. A second window may contain asecond miniature video feed from a second blackjack table which is nearto the mobile device. A third window may contain a third miniature videofeed from a slot machine that is near to the mobile device. Windows mayalso include simulated renditions of games. A player holding a mobiledevice may have the opportunity to click on any of the windows and tojoin or participate in the game shown in the window.

In various embodiments, when a player with a mobile device participatesin a game at a nearby table or game, the player may get a video feedshowing the action at the table. The video feed may come from a camerawhich is over the table and looking down upon the table, for example.The player may also watch on his mobile device a simulated reenactmentof the action that transpires at the table. A player holding a mobiledevice may also watch on the device a video feed of a gaming device(e.g., a slot machine) in whose games he is participating. A playerholding a mobile device may also play as a primary player in a game at atable, such as in a game of a nearby table. The player may similarlyview video feeds of the action at the table, and/or may view simulatedrenditions of the action at the table. A player holding a mobile devicemay, in various embodiments, see text description of the action in gamesin which he is playing or participating. For example, the mobile devicemay display, “Your primary player just got a Jack of Spades and 5 ofhearts, for a starting hand of 15 . . . .”

In various embodiments, a player holding a mobile device may link to anearby table or gaming device. The player may play games which are basedon the games of the nearby table or gaming device. However, the player'sgames may not necessarily be based on the final outcomes which occur atthe nearby table or gaming device. Rather, the player's games mayutilize intermediate outcomes or other random or non-random occurrencesfrom the games at the table or gaming device. For example, the numbersrolled on a pair of dice at a nearby craps table may be used as a randomnumber to select a roulette outcome for the player with the mobiledevice. As another example, a random number generated at a nearby slotmachine may be used to generate a different outcome on the mobile devicefrom the outcome ultimately generated at the slot machine. Thus, aplayer may utilize some information from nearby games, but mayultimately play a unique game himself.

Random Generators

In various embodiments, a card shoe may automatically deal cards. Invarious embodiments, a card show may automatically deal cards that areface up so that the cards are visible to a camera that is located abovethe cards. In various embodiments, cards may be placed into a card shoeface-up. In this way, the cards may be automatically dealt face-up. Invarious embodiments, a card shoe may show cards without expelling thecards from the shoe. The card shoe may, for example, maintain twointernal stacks of cards. Cards may be transferred from the first stackto the second stack, each card shown through a viewing window of theshoe as it is transferred. Once the first stack is depleted, the secondstack may be shuffled and put in the place of the first stack. The cardfrom the newly shuffled first stack may then be transferred once againto the place of the second stack. In this way cards may be repeatedlyshuffled and dealt without the necessity of a human gathering upexpelled cards and placing them back into the shoe. As will beappreciated, many other card shoes may be used. Any card shoe capable ofautomatically dealing cards may be used, for example. Further, a cardshoe may be used in conjunction with any device which can make cardsvisible to a camera, e.g., by flipping cards over once dealt. A cardshoe may be used in conjunction with a card reader. Cards may containspecial markings, such as bar codes or other patterns which are machinereadable and which serve to identify the rank and suit of the cards.Cards may contain RFID tags which offers signals that identify the rankand suit of the cards.

In various embodiments, a card shoe may deal or reveal cards withvariable speed. For example, a card shoe may be capable of dealing cardsat a rate between 5 cards per second and 1 card every 3 seconds. Thecard shoe may include controls which allow a human and/or a computer toincrease or to decrease the rate at which cards are dealt. In variousembodiments, a card shoe may be slowed down if the card shoe isgenerating cards for a game with a relatively slow pace. For example, acard shoe may be slowed down when a game using the cards is a highstakes baccarat game. A card shoe may be sped up when a game using thecards is a game of blackjack with many experienced players.

In various embodiments, the cards dealt by a card shoe may serve as abasis for the play of one or more games. For example, a remote playermay be involved in a game of video poker. The cards used in the game ofvideo poker may first be dealt from the cards shoes. The rank and suitof the cards dealt may be captured, e.g., by an overhead camera.Depictions of the cards may then be recreated at a remote terminal ofthe player.

In various embodiments, a card shoe may be under manual control. Forexample, a human or computer may indicate to the card shoe when to deala new card. In this way, a new card may be dealt only when necessary ina game. For example, if a player is using the cards dealt from a cardshoe for a game of video poker then the remote terminal of the playermay instruct the card shoe to deal new cards only when the player hasindicated which cards to discard from an initial hand. The cards dealtfrom the shoe may then be used as replacement cards for the cardsdiscarded. Further, the shoe may be instructed only to deal as manycards as are needed to replace the cards being discarded by the player.

In various embodiments, a card shoe may deal cards at a constant rate.In various embodiments, a card shoe may deal cards according to a setschedule. The card shoe may, for example, deal one card every second.Any player and/or any game may be welcome to access the cards dealt fromthe card shoe. For example, a player at a remote terminal may require 10cards for a game of blackjack. The terminal may then retrieve data aboutthe next 10 cards dealt from a card shoe. The data about the cards maythen be used to recreate images of the cards, to deal representations ofcards, and to determine whether the player won in the game of blackjackor not.

In various embodiments, data about cards dealt from a card shoe may bestored. The data may be stored at a casino server, at a remote terminalconducting games for players, or at any other location. When data aboutcards are needed for a game, the data may be retrieved. Data may beretrieved about cards that had been dealt in the past, such as 10minutes prior to a game being conducted, such as 1 day prior to a gamebeing conducted, or such as a year prior to a game being conducted.

Cards dealt from a card shoe may be read in various ways. Imageprocessing algorithms may recognize the characteristic card patterns orimages. For example, an image processing algorithm may be used to countthe number of pips on a card and/or to determine the suit of the cardfrom the shape of the pips. For example, optical character recognitiontechnology may be used to discern the rank of a card based on a letteror numeral printed on the card. In various embodiments, a card mayinclude a bar code or other pattern. A laser may be used to read the barcode. A card may contain an RFID chip or other signaling device forcommunicating the identity of the card.

In various embodiments, a live human dealer may deal cards. The dealermay deal cards for a live game at a casino. In various embodiments, adealer may simply deal cards. There may be no live players, e.g.,primary players, near the dealer. However, the cards dealt by the dealermay be used as the basis for other games, such as for remote games.Accordingly, in some embodiments, a human dealer may deal cards face up.The cards may be read by a camera or other device. In some embodiments,the dealer may key in the identities of the cards. The cards may then beused in the games of remote players.

In some embodiments, multiple card shoes, live human dealers, or othercard dealing entities may deal cards. In some embodiments, a firstremote game may use cards from a first card shoe and a second remotegame may use cards form a second card shoe. In some embodiments, a firstremote game may use cards from two or more card shoes. For example, aremote game may use three cards dealt from a first shoe and two cardsdealt from a second shoe in order to create an initial hand of poker. Itwill be appreciate that the use of cards from multiple shoes may resultin the possibility of different outcomes. For example, if cards are usedfrom a single shoe containing only one deck in a game of poker, handswith five-of-a-kind may not be possible. However, if cards are used fromtwo different shoes, then a five-of-a-kind hand may be possible even ifboth shoes are only dealing a single deck of cards.

In some embodiments, a game and/or a player may use cards in alternatingfashion from two shoes. For example, a game may use the first, third,and fifth cards dealt from a first shoe, and a second and fourth cardsdealt from a second shoe. In various embodiments, a single game may usecards from any number of shoes, such as from five different shoes. Invarious embodiments, a the same card may be used in two different games.For example, a card dealt from a shoe may be used in a remote game ofblackjack and in a remote game of video poker. In various embodiments, acard dealt from a shoe may be used in a first game of blackjack and in asecond game of blackjack. In various embodiments, historical data aboutcards dealt from a shoe or about cards dealt by a human dealer may berecorded. The historical data may be made available for viewing, forsearching, for analysis, or for any other use by a player. A player mayselect a shoe to use for a game. For example, a player may view dataabout the last 100 cards dealt at each of two shoes. The player maydecide that the second shoe is the luckier shoe because it has dealtcards that have lead more often to player wins in a game of blackjack.

In various embodiments, a card shoe may deal to a certain penetrationand no more. For example, a card shoe may contain 312 cards. However,following a shuffle, the card may deal less than the full 312 cards inthe shoe. This may prevent a player from counting cards. For example, acard shoe with 312 cards may only deal 100 of the cards beforereshuffling. In some embodiments, a card shoe may continuously shufflecards. For example, following the deal of a set of cards, each card maybe randomly inserted into the remainder of the deck. For example,following each deal, the entire deck of cards may be reshuffled.

In various embodiments, a card shoe or other card dealing device mayhave an associated applications programming interface (API). The API mayinclude various commands that may be given by remote terminals to theshuffler. There may be commands for dealing a new card, for shuffling,for increasing the dealing speed, and for decreasing the dealing speed,among other commands. In various embodiments, an API may define the wayin which a card shoe will communicate to a remote terminal which cardshave been dealt. For example, the API may allow a remote terminal tounderstand a particular sequence of data as the ace of spades.

In various embodiments, one or more APIs may define the communicationbetween a card shoe and a casino server. The casino server may, in turn,relay information about cards dealt to a terminal which is conducting agame for a player. In various embodiments, one or more APIs may definethe communication between a server and a terminal. The APIs may definecommands by which the terminal can request a card from the server, canrequest an increase in dealing speed, can request a decrease in dealingspeed, or can make any other command or request.

Various games employ the use of dice. Examples include craps and Sic Bo.In various embodiments, machines may be used to roll dice automatically.A reader may determine the results of the dice rolls. For example, animage may capture the rolls of the dice and may determine what numberhas been rolled on each die. Data about what number has been rolled on adie or dice may be transmitted to a remote terminal. The remote terminalmay conduct a game using data from the dice. For example, the remoteterminal may use data about what numbers were rolled on three dice inorder to allow determine the results of a game of Sic Bo played by aremote player.

In various embodiments, a basket may include one or more dice. Thebasked could be a cylinder, a tube, a parallelepiped, or any otherenclosure, including any enclosure with two flat opposing surfaces. Thebasket may be transparent in one or more of its surfaces. In variousembodiments, the entire basket may be transparent. In variousembodiments, the basket may include two normal resting positions. In afirst resting position, one of two flat opposing surfaces is parallel tothe ground and is the closest surface to the ground. In a second restingposition, the other of the two flat opposing surfaces is parallel to theground and is the closest surface to the ground. As will be appreciated,in each of these two resting positions, the dice within the basket willmost likely come to rest on the lower of the two flat opposing surfaces(i.e., the surface closest to the ground). When the basket has come toone of the normal resting positions, the dice within the basket may beread by a reader. Once the dice have been read, the basket may beflipped 180 degrees so that the surface that was closest to the groundis now closest to the sky, and the surface that was closest to the skyis now closest to the ground. The flipping of the basket should thencause the dice to fall to the surface that is now closest to the ground.The dice will presumably fall in a chaotic or unpredictable way so thatwhen they land on the new bottom surface, a new set of random numberswill have been generated. In various embodiments, the basket may becontrolled by a stepper motor. The stepper motor may accurately controlthe flipping of the basket so that, at rest, the opposing flat surfacescan be parallel to the ground. It will be appreciated that in variousembodiments, other basket shapes may be used. For example, the basketmay include a single surface which is always held substantially parallelto the ground. To randomize the dice, the basket may be shaken. Invarious embodiments, the dice contained in the basket may include RFIDtags. Each face of the die may include its own RFID tag, for example, adetector located above the basket may detect which RFID tag is theclosest of the six on a given die, and may thereupon determine whichnumber has been rolled on the die, for example.

In various embodiments, a random event may be used to supply data foruse in one or more games. For example, as described herein, theshuffling and dealing of cards may determine a number of random events.The results of the random events may include which cards end up beingdealt. In various embodiments, the random events may generate resultsfrom a limited set of enumerated outcomes. For example, the result ofthe roll of a die is an outcome from the set of integers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5,and 6. For example, the result of the dealing of a card from a standardset of 52 cards is a card that with one of only 52 unique identities. Invarious embodiments, data describing one of a first set of enumeratedoutcomes may be transformed into data describing one of a second set ofenumerated outcomes. In various embodiments, several outcomes from afirst set may be combined to create one outcome from a second set ofpossible enumerated outcomes. In various embodiments, one outcome from afirst set of enumerated outcomes may be decomposed into several outcomesfrom a second set of enumerated outcomes. For example, a first randomevent may be the dealing of a card. A card may be used to generate theoutcomes of two dice. For example, the two of clubs may correspond to aroll of two dice where each die shows the number 1 on its top face.

In another example, three dice are rolled. The three dice are used todefine the rank and suit of a card. For example, a first die is rolled.If the first die shows a one, then the card is a club. If the first dieshows a two, then the card is a heart. If the first die shows a three,then the card is a diamond. If the first die shows a four, then the cardis a spade. If the first die shows a five or a six, then the die isrolled again until it shows a 1 through 4. The second die is thenrolled. If the second die shows a one, two, or three, then the third dieis rolled. If the second die shows a four, five, or six, then the seconddie is rolled again. The second die is continually rolled until thesecond die shows a 1 through 3. If the second die shows a three and thethird die shows a 2 through 6, then the second and third die are rolledagain. In other words, the second die will have to be rolled again untilit shows a 1 through 3. The third die will also be rolled again underthe same circumstances as it had been originally. If, however, thesecond die shows a three and the third die shows a 1, then the rollingstops. In the end, if the second die shows a 1, then the card rank willbe ace if the third die shows a 1, 2 if the third die shows a 2, 3 ifthe third die shows a 3, four if the third die shows a 4, five if thethird die shows a 5, and six if the third dies shows a six. If seconddie shows a 2, then the card rank will be 7 if the third die shows a 1,8 if the third die shows a 2, 9 if the third die shows a 3, 10 if thethird die shows a 4, jack if the third die shows a 5, and queen if thethird die shows a six. If the second die shows a 3 and the third dieshows a 1, then the rank of the card will be king. No other dicecombinations are possible since the dice would have been re-rolled ifsuch combinations occurred.

It will be appreciated that there may be many other algorithms fortransforming data describing one set of enumerated outcomes into datadescribing another set of enumerated outcomes. Any other such system maybe used. Thus, in various embodiments, cards dealt from a shoe may beused to conduct a game of craps. Dice rolled in a basket may be used toconduct a game of video poker. Coin flips may be used to conduct a gameof Sic Bo or casino war. In general, any set of outcomes may be used,either individually or in combination, to generate data describing anyother set of outcomes.

Verification of Random Event Generators

In various embodiments, a player may be engaged in a game that reliesupon data from random events. The random events may occur at a locationseparate from the location of the player. For example, the player mayplay a game on his mobile gaming device in New Jersey, where such gamerelies upon random events that occurred in Nevada. The random events mayalso occur at a different time from the time when the player is playing.For example, a player may play a game of video poker. The cards theplayer receives may be based on cards dealt three weeks ago from a cardshoe in a casino warehouse. The random events may also occur in adifferent type of game than that being played by the player. Forexample, the random events may occur in a game of craps, while theplayer is playing a game of blackjack.

In various embodiments, a player may wish to verify the authenticity ofrandom events which determine the outcomes and payouts of the player'sgame. For example, if the player repeatedly loses games, the player maycome to suspect that the outcomes of his games where not generatedfairly. The player may therefore wish to receive some assurance that theoutcomes were, in fact, generated fairly.

In various embodiments, a player may request to see verification of anoutcome, payout, and/or result of a random event. The player may use oneor more input keys, buttons, or devices to request authentication. Forexample, an area on the touch screen of a player's mobile gaming devicemay include a button. The button may be labeled “authenticate”, “verifygame outcome”, “check outcome”, “view source of outcome”, or otherlabels. The player may touch the button in order to view or otherwisereceive information about the outcome, payout and/or result of his game.

In some embodiments, video may be generated depicting the manner bywhich random events generated the results used in the player's game. Forexample, when random events are used to generate results, the events maybe filmed. For example, the rolling of dice may be filmed. As anotherexample, the dealing of cards may be filmed. The film may be stored,e.g., as a digital file in a database of the casino. The film may beindexed or otherwise labeled in such a way that it is associated with aparticular result or event. For example, the file name of a video filemay be “Event 93048200 of Dec. 13, 2010”.

In various embodiments, a player may request to see video depicting therandom events which generated the results used in the player's game. Theplayer may then be shown the video. The video may show cards beingdealt, dice being rolled, roulette wheels being spun, or whatever wasthe source of the results that led to the outcome of the player's game.The video may be transmitted from the casino server to the player'smobile gaming device, for example. The mobile gaming device may show thevideo to the player on its display screen.

Variable Inputs to Outcome Generators

In various embodiments, a machine, device, or other entity thatgenerates random outcomes may be under the control of a player. Thecontrol may be either direct or indirect. For example, a player may havethe opportunity to physically spin a roulette wheel so as to generate arandom roulette outcome. For example, the player may have theopportunity to physically jostle a basket with dice so as to generate anew roll of the dice. A player may exert indirect control over a machinethat generates random outcomes by sending commands to the machine.Commands may be sent via a terminal, such as via a mobile device. Forexample, a player may press a button at a remote terminal that instructsa machine-controlled roulette wheel to spin. The remote terminal mayrelay the request of the player to the casino server. The casino servermay, in turn, instruct the machine controlling the roulette wheel tospin the roulette wheel.

In various embodiments, a player may not only issue commands to generatean outcome, but may also issue commands as to how the outcome should begenerated. The player may specify, for example, a degree of physicalforce that will be applied with an outcome generating device. Forexample, a player may specify that speed (e.g., in terms of revolutionsper second) with which a roulette wheel will be spun. A player mayspecify that amount of time that a basket with dice will be shakenbefore the dice are allowed to come to rest. A player may specify theamount of time cards must be shuffled before they can be dealt. Thus, invarious embodiments, a player may specify inputs that fall along a rangeof possible inputs. For example, the speed or the force with which aroulette wheel is spun may vary over a continuous range. The player mayspecify a speed or force. The player may specify a force using a dial, amouse, or another input device which can provide a continuous range ofinputs. For example, a player may use a mouse to manipulate the level ofa bar on a display screen of the terminal. If the bar is at a highlevel, then a roulette wheel will be spun with a high initial speed. Ifthe bar is at a low level, then the bar will be spun with a low initialspeed.

In various embodiments, a player's status may determine what kind ofcontrol he is allowed to exert over an outcome generating device. Forexample, in various embodiments, if a player is a high-roller (e.g., ifthe player places more than a predetermined total amount of wagers pervisit to a casino), then the player may be allowed to define a variableinput into an outcome generating device. However, a player who is not ahigh-roller may be allowed only to tell a device whether or not togenerate an outcome.

Index of Gaming Data

In various embodiments one or more statistics may be used to summarize aset of games, outcomes, player earnings, or other occurrences at acasino. The statistic may be called an index. Thus, for example, theremay be a “Roulette Red Index” which summarizes the proportion of thetime that roulette wheels across the casino have landed on red in agiven time period. There may be a “Blackjack Index” which summarizes theproportion of times that a Blackjack has been dealt to a player acrossthe casino. Other indexes may summarize data about: (a) the number oftimes a particular outcome has occurred (e.g., the number of times the ajackpot outcome has occurred); (b) the amount of money one or moreplayers have won (e.g., the average amount of money slot machine playershave won in the last hour); (c) the number of times a particular symbolhas occurred (e.g., the number of times a “cherry” symbol has occurredat a bank of slot machines); (d) the number of times a particularintermediate outcome has occurred (e.g., the number of times aparticular starting hand of video poker has occurred); (e) the number oftimes a player has achieved a certain hand (e.g., the number of times aplayer of Texas Hold'em has achieved a full-house; e.g., the number oftimes a player at blackjack has achieved a point total of 20); (f) thenumber of times a dealer has achieved a certain outcome (e.g., thenumber of times a dealer has achieved a point total of 20 in a game ofblackjack); (h) the number of times a particular score has been reachedin a game of sports (e.g., in a game of sports on which players can betin a sports book); (i) the number of number of players who have won morethan $100; and so on. An index may summarize data from a given timeperiod, such as from the current day. For example, an index maysummarize the proportion of times that a seven has been rolled on thefirst roll in craps during the current day. An index may summarize datain absolute numbers. For example, an index may describe the total numberof spins at a roulette wheel that have resulted in the number 12 duringthe current day. Such an index may be called the “12” index, forexample. An index may summarize data as a proportion. The index mayindicate a ratio of the occurrence of one outcome to the occurrence ofanother outcome. The index may indicate the ratio of the occurrence ofone outcome to a number of games played. For example, an index value of2.7% may indicate that the number 12 has occurred in 2.7% of roulettespins during the current day.

In various embodiments, an index may summarize data from a particulararea of a casino. For example, an index may summarize player winningsfrom the first floor of a casino, or from a particular bank of slotmachines. An index may summarize data from a particular type of machine.An index may summarize data from slot machines. An index may summarizedata from video poker machines. An index may summarize data from tablegames. An index may summarize data from progressive slot machines. Anindex may summarize data from video slot machines.

In various embodiments, an index may include a weighting of certainevents, games, or outcomes over others. An outcome may be weighteddepending on the number of bets that have been placed on it. Forexample, if the number 17 occurs at a roulette wheel with 5 peopleplaying, the “17” index may increase by 5 times as much as does the “8”index when it occurs at another roulette wheel at which only one personis betting. In various embodiments, game or outcome may be weighted inthe index based on the size of the wager placed on the game or index.For example, if a person bets $100 and receives a blackjack, a“blackjack” index may go up by 10 times as much as it would when aperson places a $10 bet and receives a blackjack. A game or outcome mayalso be weighted according to the size of one or more payouts that arepossible in the game. For example, an outcome at a game which has ajackpot of $10,000 may receive twice the weighting as does an outcomewhich has a jackpot of $5,000.

In various embodiments, there may be an index associated with aparticular player. For example, a primary player may have an index. Asecondary player may decide whether or not to participate in the gamesof the primary player based on the level of the index.

In some embodiments, there may be an index for a group of players. Forexample, there may be an index for all players within a certain agerange, for all people from a certain geographic location, for all peopleof a certain gender, for all people that prefer a particular type ofgame (e.g., blackjack), and so on. In some embodiments, there may be anindex for groups of players based on their amounts wagered. For example,a “large cap” index may summarize statistics about players who bet $25or more per game. A “small cap” index may summarize statistics about allother players.

Improved Odds and Commission

In various embodiments, a player may be given improved payout odds on agame in return for paying a fixed commission. For example, in a game ofroulette, a player who has bet $1 on a winning number might typicallyreceive his $1 back plus an additional $35. In some embodiments, thepayout for achieving a winning number in a game of roulette mightincrease to $37. In this way, a player could expect to lose $1 withprobability 37/38, and to make $37 with probability 1/38, assuming anAmerican roulette wheel with 38 spaces on it. The player would thus haveexpected winnings and expected losses of 0, making the bet a bet withtrue odds. However, in general, a casino may wish to maintain a houseadvantage on a bet so as to generate profits for the casino.Accordingly, the casino may offer a payout of $37 when the player wins,but may charge the player a $2 commission whenever the player wins.Thus, the casino may maintain a house advantage by charging a commissioneven though the bet was made at true odds.

Thus, in various embodiments, a player may place a bet with true odds.In other words, a player may place a bet such that his expectation fromthe game is zero. However, for one or more outcomes, the player may owea commission to the casino. The commission may be deducted from theamount paid in a winning outcome.

In various embodiments, a player may make a bet with a positiveexpectation. In other words, the player may make a bet such that theplayer has an advantage, i.e., such that the player can expect to win,on average, more than the amount of his bet. However, the house mayprofit from the game by charging a commission to play the game. Thecommission may exceed the amount that the player might expect to profitfrom the game. For example, a player may make a $1 bet in a game inwhich the player can expect to win $1.05, on average. Thus, the playerhas an advantage in the game. However, the casino may charge the playera $0.10 commission to play the game. Thus, accounting for thecommission, the casino will still be able to profit from the game, onaverage.

In some embodiments, a player may make a bet in a game in which theplayer is guaranteed to win back more than the amount of his bet. Forexample, if the player places a bet of $1, the player may be guaranteedto win back at least $1.05, for a net profit of $0.05. However, theplayer may be charged a commission for the game. For example, thecommission may be equal to $1.05. The commission may serve to make thegame profitable for the casino when the commission is taken intoaccount.

Displaying Data

Any data generated or gathered at a casino or from any other source maybe displayed to one or more players. The data may also be displayed forviewing by one or more casino representatives. Data may also becommunicated in other ways, such as through announcements over a publicaddress system, or such as over radio waves. As described herein, thedata displayed may include data about historical outcomes, summarystatistics, data about the performance of one or more players, dataabout the performance of one or more gaming devices, data about theperformances of one or more dealers, data about the size of one or morejackpots, data about data trends, data about one or more outcomes, dataabout one or more historical outcomes, and so on.

Data may be displayed in a number of areas. Data may be displayed: (a)on the display screens of gaming devices (e.g., on the display screensof gaming devices that are not currently in use); (b) on wall-mountedmonitors; (c) on electronic signs; (d) on walls, ceilings, or otherservices via projection displays; (e) on the screens of terminals atwhich secondary players participate in games; (f) on the screens ofmobile devices; (g) on the televisions screens of hotel-roomtelevisions; (h) on display screens inside elevators; and so on. Data orrepresentations of data (e.g., graphs, tables, etc.) may be printed onpaper or other materials, and may be distributed or otherwise madeavailable. Data may be printed on restaurant menus. For example, arestaurant menu may feature the name of the primary player who won themost consecutive games of blackjack during the day. Data may be postedon signs located above gaming devices. For example, a sign above agaming device may indicate that the gaming device has paid out more than$2000 in the past 24 hours. Data may be displayed on signs located abovebanks of gaming devices. For example, above a bank of gaming devices, asign may indicate the name of the player who has had the best record ofwinnings at the bank of gaming devices within the past 24 hours.

In various embodiments, data gathered or recorded may be made availableon a network, such as on the Internet. A person may access the data bygoing to a particular address on the network, such as to a particularUniform Resource Locator (URL) address. The address may contain dataviewable in a particular format, such as in HTML format. The data may beaccessible by an Internet browser, such as via Internet Explorer®. Invarious embodiments, data may be accessible through various links. Eachlink may lead to a different address on the network. A given link mayprovide access to data of a certain type. For example, a given link maylead to data about individual players' performances. Another link mightprovide access to data about the performances of gaming devices. Anotherlink might provide access to data about the performance of a dealer. Invarious embodiments, a first link might lead to data gathered at a firstcasino (e.g., data about games at the first casino) and a second linkmight lead to data gathered at a second casino.

In various embodiments, a casino that is associated with a hotel mighttransmit gaming data over one or more television channels. For example,a channel on a cable television system might be devoted to providing ordisplaying casino data. In some embodiments, a first channel might bedevoted to a first type of data, a second channel to a second type ofdata, and so on. For example, a first channel might display data aboutthe outcomes generated at a set of blackjack tables. A second channelmight display data bout the outcomes generated at a set of roulettetables.

In various embodiments, data may be displayed with a certain prominenceif the data is of a certain level of significance. For example, a casinomay contain a large sign in a central location that is widely visiblethroughout the casino. The sign may be used to display only the mostsignificant data. For example, the sign may display the last ten peopleto have won more than $1000. The casino may contain further signs inless prominent locations. For example a digital sign may be visible onlyin the general area of a particular bank of slot machines. The sign maydisplay the names of the last ten players to win more than $100 at thebank of slot machines. Thus, in various embodiments, data may bedisplayed at a particular location if the data has been gathered in thevicinity, such as at nearby gaming devices or table games.

In various embodiments, deductions or conclusions based on data may bedisplayed. For example, suppose that during the last 15 minutes,blackjack players across a casino have won 60% of the blackjack gamesplayed. The deduction may be made that blackjack players in general areon a hot streak. Thus, a message may be displayed (e.g., on a sign;e.g., on the screen of a mobile device; e.g., on the screen of aterminal) that blackjack players are hot. Examples of other messagesinclude, “Dealer Joe Smith is dealing great hands tonight”, “Sue Bakeris having the night of her life”, “Red is the in color at roulette”,“Billy Bob just won a doozy of a jackpot at slots”, “Sue Smith is goinghome rich tonight”, and so on.

In various embodiments, data may be printed on pamphlets, receipts, orother paper document or material. A player or other person may desire acertain type of data. For example, a player may wish to have a record ofhis own outcomes for a period of time. For example, a player may wish tohave a record of all the hands of video poker he has been dealtthroughout the day. Accordingly, the player may request such a record.For example, the player might go to a casino cage and provideidentification (e.g., in the form of a player tracking card). The casinocage may access data stored about the player on the casino server. Thecasino may then print out data about the player's outcomes from the day.The casino may then provide the player with the records. In variousembodiments, a first person might wish to have a record of data aboutone or more other people. For example, the person might want a pamphletshowing the results of the top 100 players at the casino for the day.The pamphlet might show a name or alias of each of the 100 peopletogether with an amount won by each person. In various embodiments, aperson might want a record about a particular machine, a particulardealer, a particular sector of a casino, a particular gaming table, or aparticular group of people. The record may contain data about therequested people, device, or entity, such data including outcomesachieved, winnings, losses, number of games won in a row, number ofgames lost in a row, strategy used, and so on.

In various embodiments, an alert may be generated based on events oroutcomes that occur in a game or at a casino. For example, a secondaryplayer may wish to be alerted when any primary player has won more than5 games in a row at a slot machine. Accordingly, the casino server, thedevice of the secondary player (e.g., a mobile gaming device), or anyother device, may track data as it is received (e.g., from gamingdevices). The casino server may process the data and determine whetheralert criteria have been met. For example, the casino server maydetermine whether a win for a primary player constitutes a fifthconsecutive win by examining data from the most recent game of theprimary player plus data from the four prior games of the primaryplayer. If all of the games were winning games for the primary player,then the casino server may generate an alert for the secondary player.An alert may take the form of a message transmitted to a secondaryplayer. For example, a text message may pop up on the screen of a mobilegaming device of the secondary player. An alert may also be displayed orbroadcast for a wider audience. For example, an alert may be broadcaston an electronic sign hanging in a casino. An alert may also bebroadcast over radio or other channel for audio broadcasts.

Trends

In various embodiments, a trend may comprise a set of games or outcomesthat have a common characteristic and which occur proximate in timeand/or which occur consecutively. Common characteristics of outcomes mayinclude: (a) the outcomes are all the same; (b) the outcomes have one ormore common symbols; (c) the outcomes have the same associated payout;(d) the outcomes have a positive associated payout; (d) the outcome allhave a payout above a certain level (e.g., above 10 units); (e) theoutcomes all lead to bonus rounds; (f) the outcomes are all losingoutcomes; (g) the outcomes are all winning outcomes; (h) the outcomesare all near-misses; and so on. Common characteristics of games mayinclude: (a) the games have the same outcome; (b) the games have thesame payout; (c) the games have a common intermediate outcome (e.g.,games of video poker all start out with three cards to a flush); (d) thegames all have winning payouts; (e) the games all have losing payouts;(f) the games each contain multiple winning outcomes; (g) the games allreached bonus rounds; (h) the games were all near-misses, and so on.

In various embodiments, a player may bet that a trend will continue. Aplayer may bet that an outcome which will be generated in the futurewill share a common characteristic with a set of outcomes that had beengenerated in the past. For example, a player may bet that the sameoutcome which has occurred in the last five games at a craps table(e.g., the pass line has won) will occur in the sixth game. For example,a player may bet that a point total that a dealer has achieved in thelast 5 games of blackjack (e.g., a point total of 18) will be achievedby a dealer in the next game of blackjack. In various embodiments, aplayer may bet that a trend will continue for a particular length oftime. For example, a player may bet that a trend will continue for threemore games. A player may bet on the exact number of games for which atrend will continue. For example, a player may bet that a trend willcontinue for the next two games before the trend is broken. A player maybet on a minimum number of games for which a trend will continue. Forexample, a player may bet that a trend will continue for a minimum ofthe next five games. A player may also bet on the maximum number ofgames that a trend will continue. For example, a player may bet that atrend will continue for no more than 3 games. In various embodiments, aplayer may bet that a trend will not continue. The player may bet thatan outcome which will be generated in the future will not share a commoncharacteristic with a set of outcomes that had been generated in thepast.

In various embodiments, a player may bet on the continuance ordiscontinuance of a trend that had occurred in the past. For example, asecondary player may find a series of consecutive games of rouletteplayed by a primary player in which the outcome was red for 10consecutive games. The secondary player may not be informed of theresults of the game following the 10 consecutive games of red. However,the results of the 11^(th) game may be on record (e.g., in a memory ofthe casino server). The secondary player may then place a bet on thecontinuance of the trend. For example, the secondary player may place abet that the 11^(th) game also resulted in a red outcome. For example,the secondary player may place a bet that the next five games alsoresulted in a red outcome. The secondary player may also bet on thediscontinuance of the trend. For example, the secondary player may betthat the 11^(th) game would not result in a red outcome.

In various embodiments, a trend may describe a number of consecutivewins or a number of consecutive losses. The consecutive wins or lossesmay represent those of a player, those of a dealer, those of aparticular gaming device and/or those of a particular type of game. Forexample, a statistic may describe the number of consecutive games thathave been won at a particular slot machine, regardless of who has playedthose games. For example, a statistic may describe the number ofconsecutive games that a dealer has won at a blackjack table. A player,such as a secondary player, may bet on the continuance or thediscontinuance of a trend of consecutive winnings and losses. Forexample, a secondary player may bet that a primary player who has justlost 10 games in a row will lose the 11^(th) game in a row. For example,a secondary player may bet that a craps game will end up with thepass-line bet losing even though the pass-line bet has won for the past10 games.

In various embodiments, a trend may describe a regular pattern ofcharacteristics among a series of outcomes. The pattern ofcharacteristics need not be such that each outcome has the samecharacteristic. Rather, the pattern may indicate a regularly varying setof characteristics. For example, a trend may consist of a series ofoutcomes at a roulette wheel such that every second outcome is a redoutcome, and every outcome between red outcomes is a black outcome. Inother words, the trend represents a pattern whereby after each redoutcome a black outcome occurs, and after each black outcome a redoutcome occurs. A player, such as a secondary player, may bet on thecontinuance of such a trend. For example, if the most recent outcome hasbeen a red outcome, then the player may bet that the next outcome willbe a black outcome. A player may bet that such a trend will continue formultiple outcomes. For example, a player may bet that outcomes willalternate between red and black for the next 10 consecutive outcomes.

In various embodiments, a trend may include any pattern. A player maybet on the continuance or discontinuance of any pattern. The player maybet that a pattern will continue for any number of games in the future,or that the pattern will discontinue at a designated point in thefuture. A payout provided to a player who has bet correctly may dependon the nature of the pattern and on the number of games or outcomes intothe future that the player has bet the pattern will continue. Forexample, a winning player who has bet that a pattern will continuerelatively far into the future may receive a higher payout than does aplayer who has bet that a pattern will continue one or only a few gamesinto the future. For example, if each outcome that would continue apattern is a relatively rare outcome (e.g., the player has bet that apattern of green outcomes occurring will continue at a roulette wheel),then the player may receive a larger payout than does a player who betson the continuation of a pattern with relatively common outcomes (e.g.,a pattern of blackjack games where the dealer wins).

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a trend or patternin the winnings of a primary player. For example, a secondary player maybet that a primary player will have positive net winnings for each ofthe next four five-minute periods. The primary player may have achievedpositive net winnings for the prior 10 five-minute periods, or thesecondary player may simply be betting on a new trend occurring. Invarious embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a trend in a primaryplayer's balance or bankroll. For example, a secondary player may betthat a primary player's bankroll will increase in every ten minuteperiod for the next hour. In various embodiments, a secondary player maybet on a see-saw trend in the winnings or in the bankroll of a primaryplayer. For example, a secondary player may bet that the bankroll of aprimary player will increase in the next five-minute period, decrease inthe following five-minute period, then increase in the followingfive-minute period, and so on. In various embodiments, a secondaryplayer may bet that the bankroll of a primary player (or the bankroll ofanother secondary player) will reach certain points, one after theother. There may, however, be no particular designated time period whenthe bankroll has to reach the points. For example, a secondary playermay bet that the bankroll of a primary player will reach 100, then willreach 50, then will reach 150, then will reach 25, then will reach 155,and so on. The secondary player may win if the primary player's bankrollreaches those points in order. However, the secondary player may losehis bet if the bankroll of the primary player reaches the points out oforder. For example, the secondary player may lose his bet if the primaryplayer's bankroll reaches 155 before it reaches 25. Embodimentsdescribed herein with respect to a bankroll may also apply to a balanceat a gaming device, to an amount of chips at a gaming table, to anamount of net winnings, and so on. For example, a secondary player maybet that the net winnings of a primary player will reach a first point,followed by a second point, followed by a third point, and so on.

Sports

In various embodiments, data may be gathered for sports. For example,data may include a sports score, a number of yards rushed by aparticular player in a game of football, a number of runs hit by aparticular baseball player, a number of aces served by a tennis player,a number under par achieved by a golf player, and so on. Data may beaggregated over various games. For example, the total runs hit by anyplayer in major league baseball during a particular day may be added upand may define the value of a statistic. A secondary player may bet onvalues of the statistic. Other exemplary data may include the number ofpunches connected in a boxing match, the number or three-pointers shotin a game of basketball, the number of collisions in a car race, and soon.

Secondary Player Chooses a Characteristic of a Game

In various embodiments, a secondary player may designate a category fora game of a primary player in which to participate, such that a gamefalling into the category has certain characteristics. The game may be agame with a certain beginning state. The game may be a game for whichcertain resolutions have occurred for events in the game. In someembodiments, a secondary player may designate a particular starting handor category of starting hand in a game of video poker. For example, asecondary player may designate a hand that includes three cards of thesame rank. Accordingly, the casino server may search for a game of aprimary player which has featured a starting hand with three cards ofthe same rank. In some embodiments, the secondary player may designate aparticular starting point total in a game of blackjack. Accordingly, thecasino server may search for a game of a primary player which hasfeatured a starting hand with the particular starting point total. Forexample, a secondary player may designate a particular dealer up-card ina game of blackjack. Accordingly, the casino server may search for agame of a primary player in which the designated dealer up-card has beendealt. In some embodiments, a secondary player may designate a categoryof game at a slot machine in which a “cherry” symbol has occurred on thefirst reel of the slot machine. Accordingly, the casino server maysearch for a game of a primary player in which a “cherry” symbol hasoccurred on the first reel of the slot machine. In various embodiments,a secondary player may place a constraint on games in which he wishes toparticipate. The casino server may then find one or more games for thesecondary player meeting such constraints. In some embodiments, thesecondary player may place a constraint such that the primary player haswon at least X amount in the game. In some embodiments, the secondaryplayer may place a constraint on the game such that the primary playerhas received a particular card in the game. As will be appreciated, manyother constraints may be placed on the game.

Adjusting Game Rules for a Game that has been Chosen for a ParticularCharacteristic

In various embodiments, a category of game that a secondary player hasdesignated may have an increased likelihood of ending with a particularoutcome than does a game chosen purely at random. In variousembodiments, a category of game that a secondary player has designatedmay have an increased likelihood of ending with a particular outcomethan does a game started from scratch. For example, if a secondaryplayer indicates a desire to participate in a slot machine game wherethe first symbol is “cherry”, then the secondary player may be morelikely to finish the game with a winning outcome than he would be had heparticipated in a game started from scratch. For example, if a secondaryplayer indicates a desire to participate in a video poker game where theinitial hand contains three cards of the same rank, then the secondaryplayer is guaranteed, if he so desires, to finish the game withthree-of-a-kind.

Thus, in various embodiments, when a secondary player has theopportunity to participate in a certain category of game designated bythe secondary player, the secondary player may derive an increasedadvantage in the game, all else being equal. For example, the secondaryplayer may assure that he will participate in a winning game bydesignating a category of game that will always be winning. In variousembodiments, the house may alter a game chosen according to a secondaryplayer's designation in such a way as to increase the house advantage inthe game. The house may alter the game in such a way as to provide thehouse with an equal or approximately equal advantage to what the housewould have had if a game had been started from scratch. For example, ifthe house normally has an advantage of 5% in a slot machine game, and asecondary player chooses to play a particular game in which a “cherry”symbol will occur on the first reel, then the house may alter theprobabilities of various subsequent symbols, payouts associated with oneor more outcomes, or required bet amounts in such a way as to maintainthe house advantage for the game near 5%.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may choose a constraint on agame. For example, a secondary player may apply a constraint on a gamesuch that the game must be a game of blackjack in which the initial handhas a point total of 11. The house may make an alteration to the gamesuch that the probabilities of various outcomes of the games shift inthe favor of the house. For example, in the aforementioned example of ablackjack game in which the initial primary player hand has a pointtotal of 11, the house may alter the remaining portion of the deck ofcards by removing all ten-valued cards. This may shift the advantagetowards the house (though not necessarily make the house the favorite)because it would lessen the player's chance of achieving 21 points andwould also lessen the dealer's chance of busting. Thus, the house mayhave made an alteration to the game that decreases the player's chanceof achieving a particular outcome or category of outcome. At the sametime, the alteration may increase the player's chance of achieving aparticular outcome or category of outcome (e.g., a hand with less than a21 point total). In various embodiments, the house may make analteration to a game in order to increase or decrease the probability ofone or more outcomes. In various embodiments, the house may alter aprobability directly (e.g., by changing probabilities used in a randomnumber generator used to create game outcomes), or may make analteration which has the effect of altering a probability of an outcome(e.g., the house adds or removes cards from a deck of cards which hasthe effect of changing the probability of an outcome).

In some embodiments, a payout associated with an outcome may change. Forexample, suppose a secondary player indicates a desire to participate ina game in which the point total for the primary player's initial handwas 11. In response, the house may reduce the payout associated with aplayer win. Rather than paying $10, for example, a winning outcome mayonly pay $10.

In some embodiments, a required bet amount may change. For example,suppose a secondary player wishes to participate in a slot machine gamein which the first two symbols are “bell” symbols. Rather than requiringthe secondary player to bet $1, as might be typical for the game, thehouse may require the secondary player to bet $5. Meanwhile, the payoutsmay not change vis-à-vis a game in which the secondary player set noparticular constraint.

In some embodiments, a rule of the game may change. For example, asecondary player wishes to participate in a game of blackjack in whichthe dealer begins with a point total of 13. A rule may change whichallows the dealer to make any decision at any time, including hittingwith an 18 if a player has a 19. By changing a rule of a game, the housemay effectively alter the probabilities of one or more outcomes.

In some embodiments, a payout ratio may change. For example, aparticular outcome may pay 5 to 1 given a constraint imposed by asecondary player, whereas ordinarily the same outcome might pay 20 to 1.

In various embodiments, changes made to rules, probabilities, payouts,and payout ratios may favor the player. For example, the secondaryplayer may apply a constraint to a game which is unfavorable to thesecondary player. For example, the secondary player may indicate adesire to participate in a game of blackjack where he begins with apoint total of 15, with no aces. Such a starting hand is considered abad hand and significantly lowers the secondary player's chances ofwinning. According, for example, a payout associated with a player winmay be increased so as to compensate the secondary player for thedisadvantageous starting hand.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may indicate desired odds forachieving one or more outcomes in a game. In various embodiments, asecondary player may indicate desired odds for achieving any of a set ofoutcomes, such as desired odds for achieving any winning outcome. Forexample, a secondary player may indicate that he wants his odds ofachieving a winning outcome to be 1:2, i.e., he wishes to achieve onewinning outcome for every two losing outcomes, on average. The casinomay accordingly select a set of games of a primary player such thatwithin the set of games, there is one winning game for every two losinggames. The casino may then randomly select a game from among the set ofgames and allow the secondary player to participate in the selectedgame. In various embodiments, the casino may adjust or determine apayout of an outcome of a game in response to the secondary playerselecting the odds for an outcome of the game. Note that the payoutadjustment need not necessarily occur for the same outcome for which thesecondary player has selected odds. For example, the secondary playermay indicate desired odds for a first outcome and the casino may adjustthe payout for a second outcome. In various embodiments, the casino mayadjust the payout for one or more outcomes so as to counteract theadvantage that the secondary player may obtain from selecting the oddsof an outcome. For example, if the secondary player indicates desiredodds for achieving an outcome, where such odds are greater than thestandard or typical odds of achieving such outcome, then the casino mayreduce a payout for one or more outcomes from what the typical payoutwould be. If a secondary player indicates desired odds for an outcome,where such odds work to the secondary player's disadvantage (e.g., thesecondary player has indicated desired odds for a winning outcome thatare less than the typical odds for the winning outcome) then the casinomay change a payout associated with one or more outcomes in thesecondary player's favor, e.g., the casino may increase one or morepayouts. In some embodiments, the casino may adjust one or more payoutsso as to maintain a constant or near constant house advantage. Forexample, the casino may change payouts so as to assure that the houseadvantage after adjustments in the odds of an outcome and in payouts isnearly the same as the house advantage was before the adjustments inodds and payouts. In some embodiments, if the secondary player indicatesa desire for increased odds of a first outcome, then the casino maydecrease the odds of a second outcome. For example, the casino may finda set of games of a primary player in which the first outcome occursmore than usual, but in which the second outcome occurs less than usual.The casino may then select a game at random from the set of games so asto allow the secondary player to participate. It will be appreciatedthat in the embodiments described herein, the secondary player couldjust as readily indicate a desired probability for one or more outcomesinstead of indicating desired odds. It will be appreciated that a simplemathematical transformation can transform odds into probabilities, andvice versa.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may indicate desired payoutfor an outcome. For example, the secondary player may indicate a desirefor a payout that is greater than the payout ordinarily associated withthe outcome. Accordingly, the casino may adjust the probability of theoutcome occurring. For example, the casino may reduce the probability ofthe outcome occurring. In various embodiments, the casino may reduce theprobability of an outcome by selecting a pool of games of one or moreprimary players in which the outcome has occurred less frequently thanwould ordinarily be expected. The casino may then select a game atrandom from among the pool of games and allow the secondary player toparticipate in the selected game. In various embodiments, the casino mayadjust the probability of an outcome that is different from the outcomewhose payout the secondary player has asked to be adjusted. For example,the secondary player may indicate that he wishes to increase the payoutfor a first outcome. The casino may then adjust the probability of asecond outcome. The second outcome may be a winning outcome. In variousembodiments, the casino may make an adjustment to the probability ofoccurrence of one or more outcomes so as to counteract adjustments madeto payouts in the secondary player's favor. In various embodiments, thecasino seeks to maintain the same or nearly the same house advantagebefore and after any adjustments made by the secondary player and thehouse. For example, if a house advantage is ordinarily 5% for a game,then the house may seek to counteract any adjustments made to payouts bythe secondary player so as to maintain the house advantage for the gameat 5%.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may set a payout, aprobability, and/or odds using a dial. The dial may allow the secondaryplayer to adjust a setting along a continuum or near continuum byturning the dial to the appropriate degree. The secondary player mightalso use a scroll bar, a mouse, an arrow key, or any other input devicein order to indicate a setting. In response to the secondary playeradjusting a first setting, the house may adjust a second setting so as,for example, to maintain a constant house advantage. The house mayadjust a setting for a probability by selecting an appropriate pool ofgames of a primary player such that a frequency of occurrence of one ormore outcomes is equal to a desired frequency. The house may adjust apayout by simply providing a different payout than is typical in theevent of the occurrence of a particular outcome.

In various embodiments, the house may change the odds of one or moreoutcomes by altering the composition of a deck of cards. For example,the house may add or remove cards from a deck of cards. In someembodiments, a secondary player may designate a particular category ofstarting hand of a game. For example, in a game of blackjack, asecondary player may indicate a desire to start with a point total of18. The house may adjust the composition of the unused portion of thedeck in response. For example, the house may add cards with rank threeto the deck in order to lessen the dealer's chances of busting.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may indicate a desired startinghand for both the secondary player and for the dealer. For example, thesecondary player may indicate a starting point total for the secondaryplayer and the secondary player may indicate a particular up-card forthe dealer. In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate astarting hand for the secondary player and a complete starting hand forthe dealer. In some embodiments, the secondary player may indicate astarting hand plus an additional card for the secondary player. Forexample, the secondary player may indicate a starting hand with twonines plus an additional card of a 10 (e.g., after the secondary hassplit his initial two cards). In some embodiments, a secondary playermay indicate a starting hand for the dealer plus an additional card. Insome embodiments, a secondary player may indicate any sequence ofinitial cards for the primary player and/or any sequence of initialcards for the dealer. The secondary player may specify a point total, anumber of cards, the ranks of cards, particular cards (e.g., both rankand suit) and so on. For any indications provided by the secondaryplayer, the casino may search for a game of a primary player that suitsthe indications. For example, if the secondary player has indicated adesire to participate in a game where a primary player has a startingpoint total of 18, then the house may search for a game of a primaryplayer with the starting point total of 18.

Records of Performance

In various embodiments, a viewable record may be created for a primaryplayer. The record may include historical performance metrics for theprimary player. The record may constitute a profit and loss statementfor the primary player. The record may include an indication of anamount won by the primary player over a certain period of time. Therecord may include an indication of an amount lost by the primary playerover a certain period of time. The record may include an indication of atotal amount wagered by the primary player over a certain period oftime. The time period covered by the record may be: (a) a particularhour; (b) a particular day; (c) a particular week; (d) a particularweekend; (e) the duration of a primary player's stay at a casino; (f)the duration of a primary player's play session at a casino; (g) theduration of a primary player's session at a particular gaming device;and so on. The record may include a breakdown of performance metricsinto various categories. The record may show performance metrics by timeperiod, by wager amount, by gaming device, by dealer, by casino, by typeof gaming device (e.g., reel slot machine versus video slot machine), orby any other category. For example, the record may include a first setof data describing the primary player's winnings at blackjack during thelast day, a second set of data describing the primary player's winningsat video poker during the last day, a third set of data describing theprimary player's winnings at roulette during the last day, and so on. Insome embodiments, the record may include a listing of individual gamesplayed by a primary player (e.g., all games played by the primaryplayer). The listing may include data associated with each game,including an amount wagered, an amount won, an amount lost, an outcomereceived, a time of the game, a decision made, an initial hand receivedin the game, a final hand received in the game, an action by a dealer, ahand of an opponent, a decision of an opponent, an amount raised, and soon. The listing may segregate games into different categories. Forexample, data about all games played at a slot machine may be listedtogether, while data about all games played at a table game may belisted together.

The record for a primary player may be viewable by the primary player.For example, the primary player may be able to call up a view of therecord on the screen of any gaming device, any terminal, any mobiledevice, any Internet connected device, and so on. The record may beprintable, for example, onto a cashless gaming ticket. In someembodiments, the record for a primary player may be viewable by asecondary player. For example, the secondary player may search for thename of a primary player and then view the record for the primaryplayer.

In various embodiments, a primary player may specify limits. The limitsmay be visible in the record of the primary player. A limit may includea stop limit. The limit may force or encourage the primary player tostop playing if certain criteria are met. For example, the limit mayencourage the primary player to stop playing if he has lost $100. Invarious embodiments, an alert may be sent to a primary player onceperformance metrics of the primary player meet certain criteria. Forexample, an alert might be sent to the primary player once the primaryplayer has accumulated winnings of $500. The alert may tell the primaryplayer that he wanted to stop playing once his winnings reached $500.

In some embodiments, a secondary player may receive an alert based onthe performance of a primary player. For example, the secondary playermay receive an alert when a primary player has won 10 games in a row,when a primary player has lost 10 games in a row, when a primaryplayer's fortunes have swung back and forth three times between winningsand losses, and/or when any other condition has been met. In variousembodiments, a secondary player may specify an alert condition. Thesecondary player may then be alerted if the alert condition is met. Forexample, once a primary player satisfies an alert condition, thesecondary player may be alerted that the primary player has satisfiedthe secondary player's alert condition. The secondary player may then begiven the opportunity to participate in the next game of the primaryplayer. A secondary player may be alerted if a primary player has justwon a large payout, if the primary player has won a designated number oflarge payouts in a particular period of time, if the primary player haswon more than a certain amount in the prior hour, and so on. A secondaryplayer may be alerted if a primary player has lost more than a certainamount in the last hour, if the secondary player has had more than 90%of his outcomes be losing outcomes in the last 30 minutes, if theprimary player has just had a near miss, and so on.

Data from One Game Used in another

Various embodiments describe the use of data in a gaming context, suchas in the context of casino gaming, mobile gaming, charity bingo, oron-line gaming. In various embodiments, data generated in a first gamemay be used in a second game. For example, a set of data may begenerated in a first game. The set of data may be used to determine anoutcome of the first game. The same set of data may also be used todetermine an outcome of a second game. For example, in a game ofblackjack, 14 cards may be dealt. Data indicating the ranks and suits ofthe 14 cards may be recorded. Such data may later be used to conduct agame of video poker. In conducting the game of video poker, data about afirst 5 of the 14 cards may be presented to a player, leaving 9 cardsremaining. The player may select 3 discards, after which data about 3replacement cards may be presented to the player from the data about the9 cards remaining. In various embodiments, data in a first game may begenerated through physical means. Generation of data through physicalmeans may include generating data through a process that is not solelybased on the manipulation of electrons and photons. The generation ofdata through physical means may include the generating an outcome at aroulette wheel, the dealing of one or more cards from a deck of cards,the rolling of a die, or any other physical or partly physical process.The generation of data through physical means may include the generationof a roulette outcome through the manual spinning of a roulette wheel,e.g., by a casino employee. The generation of data through physicalmeans may include the generation of a roulette outcome through theautomatic spinning of a roulette wheel, e.g., by computer controlledmotors. The generation of data through physical means may include therolling of dice by a human, such as a craps player. The generation ofdata through physical means may include the rolling of diceautomatically, e.g., through the motorized spinning of a transparentenclosure containing dice.

In various embodiments, the outcomes and/or the resolutions of events ina first game may be used as inputs for generating outcomes and orresolutions of events in a second game. For example, the outcomes and/orresolutions of events in a first game may serve as random numbers foruse in an algorithm for generating outcomes and/or resolutions in asecond game. In some embodiments, the outcomes and/or resolutions ofevents in a first game may be directly used as outcomes or resolutionsin a second game (e.g., without any further transformations). In variousembodiments, a first game may include a game of a player or a game thathas been conducted automatically (e.g., without participation by anyplayer). In various embodiments, a first game may include a game whereoutcomes or resolutions have been generated through physical processes(e.g., as opposed to electronic processes). For example, the first gamemay include outcomes or resolutions that have been generated through aroll of dice, through a spin of a roulette wheel, through the dealing ofcards, or through any other physical process.

Readers

Data may be recorded from a first game in various ways. In someembodiments, a human may manually enter data from a game. For example, acasino employee may use a key board to key in the numbers 4 and 3,representing the numbers rolled on two dice in a game of craps. In someembodiments, a sensor or reader may detect and record data from a game.A roulette reader may detect and record the spaces in which a rouletteball has landed following a spin of a roulette wheel. An exemplaryroulette sensing apparatus is described in U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,193 toReinhardt, et al., entitled “Roulette wheel directional sensingapparatus”. U.S. Pat. No. 4,396,193 is hereby incorporated by reference.A card shoe may be equipped with sensors and/or algorithms for readingcards dealt from the shoe and determining data about the cards, such asrank and suit. An exemplary such card shoe is described in U.S. Pat. No.7,029,009 to Grauzer, et al., entitled “Playing card dealing shoe withautomated internal card feeding and card reading”. U.S. Pat. No.7,029,009 is hereby incorporated by reference. In various embodiments, acamera may capture images of a game being played. Data may be extractedfrom such images, including data about cards dealt, data about rolls ofdice, and data about a number generated at a roulette wheel. Such datamay be extracted using image processing algorithms, for example. U.S.Pat. No. 4,531,187 to Uhland, entitled “Game monitoring apparatus”describes a “means for optically monitoring the cards played” in a game.U.S. Pat. No. 4,531,187 is hereby incorporated by reference.

Camera

In various embodiments, a camera may record footage of a first gamebeing played. For example, a camera may record footage of dice beingrolled, of cards being dealt, of a roulette wheel being spun, and so on.In various embodiments, the footage may be stored. In variousembodiments, the footage may be stored in association with one or moretags or other data, including a date during which the filmed game wasplayed, a time during which the game was played, a game identifier, anidentifier for a player in the game (e.g., a player's name), anidentifier for a dealer in the game, a location of the game, a casino inwhich the game was played, an indication of the type of game beingplayed (e.g., blackjack; e.g.; craps), and so on. Subsequent to thevideo footage being recorded, a player involved in a second game mayindicate a desire to see the video footage. The player in the secondgame may be involved in a game that uses data from the game depicted inthe video footage. For example, the player involved in the second gamemay be involved in a game of video poker that uses the same cardsoriginally dealt in a game of blackjack. The player may desire to seefilm footage of the game of blackjack. The player may desire to see thefilm footage so as to verify that the cards dealt in the game ofblackjack, which are the same cards now being used in his own game, weredealt fairly. Any tags stored in association with the video footage mayaid the house or casino in retrieving the video footage upon a player'srequest. For example, data used in a second game may be tagged with anidentifier of a first game. A player in the second game may request tosee video footage of how that data was generated in the first game.Accordingly, a casino may search for video footage that is stored inassociation with the identifier. Any such video footage may then beretrieved and shown to the player in the second game.

Skins

In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may be used in asecond game. One or more algorithms may be used to transform the datafrom the first game into data suitable for use in the second game. Forexample, data from a first game may include number in a first range.Data suitable for use in a second game may include numbers in a secondrange. Accordingly, for example, data from the first range may be mappedto the second range using a mathematical transformation, such asmultiplication or division by a constant. For example, data from a firstgame may include data about cards dealt in the first game (e.g., thefirst game is game of blackjack). Such data may take the form ofnumbers, where the numbers 1 through 52 each represent a different cardin a standard deck of 52 cards. Data required for the second game mayinclude numerical data in the range of 1 to 6, since the second game maybe a dice game (e.g., craps). Accordingly, data from the range of 1 to52 may be mapped to data in the range of 1 to 6. The mapping may occuras follows. It will be appreciated that many other mappings arepossible. A number from 1 to 52 is completely discarded if the number is49, 50, 51, or 52. If a number is discarded, a second number is thenused (e.g., a number representing a different card that was dealt in thefirst game). If a number is not discarded, the number is divided byeight and the result is rounded up to the nearest integer. Thus, thenumber 1 will map to the number 1, the number 2 will map to the number1, the number 8 will map to the number 1, the number 9 will map to thenumber 2, the number 17 will map to the number 3, and the number 48 willmap to the number 6. A mapping has thus been accomplished from a game ofcards to a game of dice. Two or more cards may be used from the game ofcards (more than two cards may be needed if one of the cards isrepresented by a number greater than 48) to conduct a roll of dice in agame of craps.

Once data suitable for use in the second game is obtained, anappropriate skin may be used with the second game. The skin may includegraphics and play patterns that make the second game more familiar tothe player of the second game. For example, once data has been generatedwhich includes numbers between 1 and 6, the casino (or a device of thecasino, such as a gaming device) may be used to graphically render thegeneration of outcomes that corresponds to the data. For example, ifnumbers 3 and 6 have been generated as data suitable for a second game,the casino may show graphical depictions of the numbers 3 and 6 beingrolled on a pair of dice. Thus, the player may engage in a game ofcraps.

Note that in various embodiments, data used in a second game may bebased on data that has been derived from a first game which was playedin the past. Thus, the outcome of the second game may be pre-determined,in some sense. However, since the player of the second game may not befamiliar with the first game, or since the player may not be familiarwith the algorithm used to transform data from the first game into dataused in the second game, the player may be unable to take advantage ofadvanced knowledge of the outcome of the second game.

In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may be used in asecond game that is played on a gaming device. The gaming device may bea slot machine, video poker machine, video bingo machine, mobile gamingdevice (e.g., a mobile gaming device as defined by Nevada bill AB 471),and so on. In various embodiments, data generated in a first game may beused in a second game that is played over a network. Data generated in afirst game may be used in Internet gaming, such as in conducting asecond game at an on-line casino. Similarly, video footage from thefirst game may be available for a player who participates in the secondgame at the on-line casino. By viewing the video footage, the player maybecome more confident that the data being used in the second game wasgenerated fairly.

Auditing the Data Generated in the First Game

In various embodiments, data generated at a first game or a first seriesof games may be tested or audited to provide verification that the datais fair. In various embodiments, a test may be performed to verify thatthe data conforms to some statistical distribution. The statisticaldistribution may be a distribution that is generally thought to governin the one or more random processes used to generate the data. Forexample, a set of data may include data about 10,000 outcomes generatedat one of a group of roulette wheels, each roulette wheel having 38spaces. An applicable statistical distribution may predict that eachpossible outcome of the roulette wheel would occur approximately onceevery 38 outcomes, or approximately 263 times out of the data set of10,000 outcomes. Thus, a test of the data about the 10,000 outcomesmight test that each of the 38 possible outcomes of a roulette wheeloccurred approximately 263 times out of the 10,000 outcomes. The testsmay allow for some deviation. For example, it may be consideredacceptable for an outcome to occur from 213 to 313 times. However, if anoutcome occurs a number of times that is not between 213 and 313, thenthe data may be considered suspicious. Data may be required to pass oneor more tests, such as tests of statistical distribution, before thedata will be permitted to be used in a second game.

Hands as Entry Into a Jackpot

Everyone Bets on One Side or the Other

In various embodiments, a single game may allow the participation of twoor more secondary players. In various embodiments, the single game mayallow the participation of players across an entire casino. The singlegame may be prominently featured or publicized. For example, theprogress of the game may be shown on prominent display screens ormonitors throughout a casino. The game may be played on an elevatedstage or platform that is visible to many. In various embodiments, thegame may allow participation by secondary players in real time. Forexample, a secondary player may place a bet on the game, the game mayoccur, and then the secondary player may be paid based on the outcome ofthe game and the bet of the secondary player. In various embodiments,the game may be played by a primary player. In various embodiments, thegame may be played by a primary dealer and the house, or arepresentative of the casino. For example, the game may include aprimary player and a dealer. In various embodiments, the game may begenerated electronically. The game may be a game played on a gamingdevice by a primary player. The game may be played entirelyelectronically.

In various embodiments, a given secondary player may place a bet thatthe primary player will win. In various embodiments, the secondaryplayer may place a bet that the house will win. Among all secondaryplayers placing bets on the game, some may bet on the primary player andsome may bet on the house. In various embodiments, secondary players maybet on other events as well. For example, secondary players may bet thatparticular cards will fall, that a particular point total will beachieved, that a particular roll of dice will occur and so. The featuredgame may be any suitable game, such as blackjack, craps, baccarat,roulette, video poker, or any other suitable game.

In various embodiments, a game may allow the participation of a smallgroup of players. For example, a game may allow the participation ofeight secondary players. The secondary players may all be players at onegaming table, in one area of a casino, in one restaurant, or may all begrouped together in some other way. One of the group of players may playthe featured game. The other players may then act as secondary playersand participate in the featured game. In various embodiments, the playerwho plays the feature game may rotate amongst the group of players.

Bet on Particular Cards

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on a particularevents that will occur in a game. The secondary player may bet that aparticular roll of the dice will occur, or that the dealer will bust ina game of blackjack.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on particular cardsthat will occur in the featured game. For example, a secondary playermay bet that an ace of spades and a king of hearts will be dealt in thefeatured game. If the ace of spades and king of hearts do appear in thegame, the secondary player may win a significant multiple of his bet,e.g., ten times his bet. The amount that a secondary player wins may bebased on the probability with which the resolution of the events theplayer is betting on is likely to occur. For example, if the secondaryplayer bets on an event resolution with a small probability ofoccurrence, the secondary player may stand to win relatively more. Invarious embodiments, the amount that a secondary player stands to winmay depend on the specificity with which he specifies the eventresolutions of a featured game. For example, a secondary player maystand to win more if he correctly specifies ranks and suits of a set ofcards in a featured game than if he simply specifies ranks.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet that a particularcard will be dealt in the featured game. In various embodiments, asecondary player may bet on a particular combination of cards that willbe dealt in the featured game. In various embodiments, a secondaryplayer may bet on an order with which cards will be dealt. For example,a secondary player may bet that an ace will be dealt first, followed bya ten, followed by a queen. In various embodiments, a secondary playermay bet on cards that will occur in a player hand. In variousembodiments, a secondary player may bet on cards that will occur in adealer hand. In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on afirst set of cards that will occur in a player hand and on a second setof cards that will occur in a dealer hand. For example, a secondaryplayer may bet that a player will receive a jack of diamonds and a nineof hearts and that a dealer will receive a seven of clubs, two ofhearts, and queen of clubs.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify each card thatwill be dealt in the featured game. The secondary player may win only ifeach specified card is dealt.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may participate in his owngame as a primary player. At the same time, the secondary player may beton the featured game as a secondary player. One or more events thatoccur in the secondary player's own game may serve to specify thesecondary player's bet on the featured game. For example, the secondaryplayer may play a game of blackjack where he receives the ace of spadesand the ten of hearts. By receiving such cards, the secondary player mayautomatically be betting that the primary player in the featured gamewill also receive the ace of spades and the ten of hearts. Thus, thesecondary player's own hand may serve as a specification of a bet placedin a game played by a different player (i.e., the primary player). Ahand, a set of cards, a roll of the dice, or any other event in which asecondary participates (e.g., as a primary player) may serve as anentry, ticket, or bet into another game (e.g., into a featured game).

Pari-Mutuel Betting

In various embodiments, betting on a featured game may be pari-mutuel.The house may take a percentage of all bets placed. The pool of bets maythen be given to the player or players who have correctly specified theresolution an event in the featured game. For example, the pool of allbets may go to the player who correctly specifies the most cards thatare dealt in the featured game. For tied players, the pool may bedivided equally and/or in proportion to the bets placed by the tiedplayers.

Progressive Betting

In various embodiments, betting on a featured game may be progressive.All or a portion of bets placed by secondary players may go into a pool.The pool may be won by any secondary player who correctly specifies theresolution of one or more events in the featured game. For example, asecondary player may win the pool for correctly specifying each cardthat is dealt to the primary player and each card that is dealt to thedealer in a game of blackjack. If there is not a winner of the pool,then the pool may carry over to the next game.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may win a portion of the poolfor correctly specifying the resolution of some events but not others,or for being off by a small amount from correctly specifying eventresolutions. For example, if a secondary player correctly specifies allbut one of the cards dealt in a game, the secondary player may win 10%of all bets placed on the game. As another example, if a secondaryplayer correctly specifies all the suits of the cards dealt but not allthe ranks, then the secondary player may win 5% of the pool. As anotherexample, if the secondary player correctly

specifies all but one card, and specifies the correct rank but incorrectsuit on the remaining card, then the player may win 20% of the pool.

In various embodiments, where there is a progressive pool, a secondaryplayer's own game (e.g., a game in which the secondary player serves asa primary player) may serve to determine the secondary player's entryinto the featured game.

Fixed Odds Game

In various embodiments, a bet made by a secondary player in a featuredgame may be made according to fixed odds. For example, the secondaryplayer may bet that certain events will transpire in the primary game,and may receive a fixed payout based on those events. The secondaryplayer receive different levels of fixed payouts depending on how closethe secondary player came to specifying the events that transpired inthe featured game.

Player in the Spotlight

The featured game may be a game in which an ordinary casino patron isplaying. A particular primary player may play the featured game for somenumber of games. Then, another primary player may play in the featuredgame. In various embodiments, a primary player need not make any specialefforts to be in the featured game. Instead, for example, a cameramanmay travel around a casino, alternately filming different primaryplayers involved in games. The game of the primary player currentlybeing filmed may be the featured game.

Featured Game on a Mobile Device

In various embodiments, the featured game may be presented on a mobilegaming device. For example, a secondary player may watch the progressand the events of the featured game on his mobile gaming device. Thesecondary player may also place bets on the featured game using hismobile gaming device. In various embodiments, the featured game may bepresented on any device, including on a gaming device. For example, asecondary player may watch the featured game on a display screen of aslot machine. The secondary player may even place bets on the featuredgame using the slot machine interface.

Bet on any Game

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on events within anyparticular game, including betting on the outcome of any particulargame. The secondary player need not be restricted to betting only on aprominently featured game. The secondary player may, for example, decidethat he would like to bet on a particular primary player of blackjackwho is currently playing at a blackjack table within a casino. Thesecondary player may then specify, for example, one or more cards thatwill be dealt in that game. If the secondary player is correct then thesecondary player may win a payout.

In various embodiments, a secondary player may bet on an event or events(including an outcome) within a plurality of games. The secondary playermay thus stand to win any of the plurality of games has an eventresolution that was correctly specified by the secondary player. Forexample, the secondary player may bet that any player at a blackjacktable will get two aces as his first two cards in the next game ofblackjack. The secondary player may then win money if any of the playersat the blackjack table does in fact get two aces as his first two cardsin the next game of blackjack. In various embodiments, the secondaryplayer may win a payout that is based on the number of games in whichhis specified resolutions actually occurred. In the aforementionedexample, the secondary player may win a first amount if the eventresolution he specified occurred in one game, and may win a secondamount if the event resolution he specified occurred in two games. Thesecond amount may be greater than the first amount. The secondary playermay win a special jackpot if the event resolution he specified occurredin all games. In various embodiments, the payout received by a secondaryplayer for specifying an event resolution in a plurality of games maydepend on the number of games. If the event specified by the secondaryplayer occurs in one of five games the secondary player may win morethan if the event had occurred in one of 25 games.

Specify Event Resolutions that may Apply in Multiple Games

In various embodiments, a secondary player may specify one or more eventresolutions, or an outcome. The secondary player may specify, forexample, a set of cards that may be dealt, a set of numbers that may berolled on dice, a number that will arise in roulette, and so on. Theevent resolutions specified by the secondary player may then apply in aplurality of featured games. For example, the event resolutions mayapply in a series of consecutive featured games.

As an example, a secondary player may specify that a primary player inblackjack will receive the two of hearts, ten of clubs and nine ofdiamonds. The secondary player may further specify that the dealer willreceive an ace of spades and a king of spades. The secondary player maythen win a prize if the specified cards are dealt to the specifiedparties (i.e., player and dealer) in any of the next 100 featured gamesof blackjack.

In various embodiments, the secondary player may be required to make abet for every featured game in which he participates as a secondaryplayer (e.g., for every game in which he is eligible to win a payout orjackpot). In various embodiments, the secondary player may receive freeentry as a secondary player into the featured game so long as thesecondary player also is playing in his own game (e.g., in the capacityof a primary player). Where the secondary player receives free entry, aportion of his wager in the secondary player's own game may be used tofund the prize pool or payout in the featured game. For example, 1 centmay come from every secondary player's bet in his/her own game andcontribute towards the prize pool of the featured game. The prize poolmay build up as a progressive prize until it is won by one of thesecondary players.

Specifying the Outcome of Event Resolutions

A secondary player may specify the outcome of event resolutions invarious ways. In various embodiments, the secondary player may himselfchoose particular resolutions. For example, the secondary player maychoose particular cards that he thinks will be dealt in the featuredgame. For example, the secondary player may choose particular numbersthat he thinks will be rolled in a featured craps game. In variousembodiments, the secondary player does not himself choose an eventresolution or outcome. Rather, an event resolution in the secondaryplayer's own game (e.g., a game in which the secondary player is servingas a primary player) may determine what event resolution or outcome inthe featured game wins for the secondary player. In various embodiments,an event resolution or outcome in the featured game must match an eventresolution or outcome in the secondary player's own game in order forthe secondary player to win a payout or prize from the featured game.For example, the secondary player may be playing a game of blackjack (asa primary player). At the same time, the secondary player may place a $1bet on a featured game of blackjack. The secondary player may win a$10,000 payout if every card dealt in the featured game matches, by rankand suit, every card dealt in the game of the secondary player.

In various embodiments, a secondary player describes the configurationof a game (e.g., of a hand). The description by the secondary player mayinclude a description of what the primary player will have and adescription of what the dealer will have. Following the secondaryplayer's description of a configuration, there may be some period oftime, or some number of plays during which games are monitored. Thegames monitored may be featured games or any suitable games within acasino or even outside the casino. The secondary player may win if anyof the monitored games then matches the description originally set forthby the secondary player. If the secondary player wins, the secondaryplayer may win a progressive prize.

The following is a list of embodiments, not claims. Various embodimentsinclude:

A. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving a first bet;    -   receiving a first description of a first set of cards;    -   receiving a second description of a second set of cards;        determining a third description of a third set of cards that are        dealt to a first player in a first game;    -   determining a fourth description of a fourth set of cards that        are dealt to a first dealer in the first game; and    -   providing a payout based on the first bet if the third        description of the third set of cards matches first description        of the first set of cards and if the fourth description of the        fourth set of cards matches the second description of the second        set of cards.

B. The method of embodiment A in which the first description includes adescription of the rank and suit of each of the first set of cards.

C. The method of embodiment B in which providing a payout includesproviding a payout based on the first bet if the third description ofthe third set of cards includes a description of the rank and suit ofeach of the first set of cards and if the fourth description of thefourth set of cards matches the second description of the second set ofcards.

D. The method of embodiment A in which the first game is a game ofblackjack.

E. The method of embodiment A, further including:

receiving a second bet;

receiving a fifth description of a fifth set of cards;

receiving a sixth description of a sixth set of cards; and

providing a payout based on the second bet if the third description ofthe third set of cards matches the fifth description of the fifth set ofcards and if the fourth description of the fourth set of cards matchesthe sixth description of the sixth set of cards.

F. The method of embodiment A in which the first set of cards is dealtto a second player in a second game, and in which the second set ofcards is dealt to a dealer in the second game.

G. The method of embodiment A further including:

-   -   receiving a second bet; determining a fifth description of a        fifth set of cards that are dealt to a second player in a second        game;    -   determining a sixth description of a sixth set of cards that are        dealt to a second dealer in the second game; and    -   providing a payout based on the second bet if the fifth        description of the fifth set of cards matches first description        of the first set of cards and if the sixth description of the        sixth set of cards matches the second description of the second        set of cards.

H. The method of embodiment A in which the first bet, the firstdescription, and the second description are all received from a secondplayer, and in which the step of providing includes:

-   -   providing a payout to the second player based on the first bet        if the third description of the third set of cards matches first        description of the first set of cards and if the fourth        description of the fourth set of cards matches the second        description of the second set of cards.

I. A method comprising:

-   -   initializing a progressive prize pool at a first value;    -   receiving a first bet from a first player;    -   setting the progressive prize pool at a second value which is        based on the first value and the first bet;

receiving from the first player a first description of a first set ofcards;

-   -   receiving a second bet from a second player;

setting the progressive prize pool at a third value which is based onthe second value and the second bet;

receiving from the second player a second description of a second set ofcards;

determining a third description of a third set of cards that are dealtin a first game;

providing the progressive prize pool to the first player if the thirddescription of the third set of cards matches the first description ofthe first set of cards; and

providing the progressive prize pool to the second player if the thirddescription of the third set of cards matches the second description ofthe second set of cards.

J. The method of embodiment I further including:

-   -   receiving a third bet from a third player;    -   setting the progressive prize pool at a fourth value which is        based on the third value and the third bet;

receiving from the third player a fourth description of a fourth set ofcards;

determining a fifth description of a fifth set of cards that are dealtin a second game; and

providing the progressive prize pool to the third player if the fourthdescription of the fourth set of cards matches the fifth description ofthe fifth set of cards.

K. A method comprising:

-   -   receiving from a first player a first description of a first set        of cards;

determining a second description of a second set of cards that are dealtin a first game played by a second player;

determining a third description of a third set of cards that are dealtin a second game played by a third player; and

providing a payout to the first player if the first description of thefirst set of cards matches either the second description of the secondset of cards or the third description of the third set of cards.

L. The method of embodiment K in which the second game is played afterthe first game.

M. The method of embodiment K in which the third player is the same asthe second player.

N. The method of embodiment K further including:

-   -   receiving an indication that the first player participates in a        third game at about the same time that the first game is played;        and

receiving an indication that the first player participates in a fourthgame at about the same time that the second game is played.

O. The method of embodiment K in which the third game is different fromthe first game, and in which the fourth game is different from thesecond game.

When a Player is Near a Dealer, the Dealer is Told. The Dealer can Greetthe Player by Name.

In various embodiments, when a player comes near a dealer, the dealermay be told. In various embodiments, when a player comes within apredetermined range of the dealer, the dealer may be told. Apredetermined range may be, for example, 5 feet, 10 feet, 20 feet, orany other predetermined range. In various embodiments, a dealer may betold of a player's proximity in various ways. A screen at the dealer'stable may display a message for the dealer indicating that the player isnear. In various embodiments, a dealer may wear headphones which receivean electronic (e.g., wireless) audio feed from a casino server or from acasino employee. When a player arrives near the dealer, the dealer maybe told via a voice in his headphones. For example, a voice message maysay to the dealer, “John Smith has just arrived to your right. He is a65-year-old male. Say ‘hi’ to him.” In various embodiments, the player'spresence near the dealer may be detected in various ways. The player maybe carrying a mobile device, for example.

When a player is near to a dealer, the dealer may take various actions.The dealer may greet the player, such as by name. The dealer may ask theplayer whether the player would like to join the table for a game. Thedealer may ask the player whether he would like to link to the tableusing his mobile device. The player would then, for example, be able toparticipate in a game at the table as a secondary player, or to play asa primary player without sitting down. The dealer may offer the player aspecial incentive to play. For example, the dealer may offer two extracomp points per dollar wagered for the first hour if the player sitsdown. The dealer may mention other events in the player's life. Forexample, the dealer may congratulate the player on a large payout hereceived recently, on a recent birthday, on a recent move to anotherstate, or on anything else about which the dealer (or the casino) mayhave information. A dealer may be trained to interact with a player in aparticular way (e.g., to greet the player by name). In variousembodiments, a dealer may be prompted in real time or near real time asto what to day to a player. For example, a message may appear on ascreen at the dealer's table telling the dealer to congratulate theplayer on getting married recently. In various embodiments, a dealer maybe provided with general information about a player. It may then be leftto the dealer to improvise a greeting or other conversation with theplayer.

In various embodiments, a game table, gaming device, or other object maybe programmed or configured to greet a player or otherwise interact witha player as the player walks by. For example, when a player comes withinten feet of a gaming table, a voice may be broadcast from a speaker onthe gaming table. The voice may say, “won't you come sit and play for awhile, Mr. Smith?” A gaming table or other object may say various thingsto a player, including referring to a recent event in the player's lifeor saying anything else.

In various embodiments, a casino employee may speak to a player via agaming table or gaming device. A player may come within a predetermineddistance of a gaming table. The gaming table may detect the presence ofthe player. The gaming table may then alert a remote casinorepresentative. The remote casino representative may be sitting at acomputer terminal which may be in communication with the casino server.The computer terminal may display information about the player to thecasino representative. The casino representative may then begin speakingto the player using a microphone. The casino representative's voice maythen be transmitted over a network (e.g., over a casino network or overthe Internet) to the gaming table. The casino representative's voice maythen be broadcast from a speaker at the gaming table. The gaming tablemay also capture voice or video from the player (e.g., using microphonesor cameras), and transmit this back to the casino representative. Inthis way, the casino representative may have a conversation with theplayer. To the player, it may appear as if the table is talking to him.

1. An apparatus comprising: a computing device; and non-transitorymedium having stored thereon a plurality of instructions that whenexecuted by the computing device cause the apparatus to: receive anindication of a first plurality of decisions made by a first playerunder a first set of circumstances in a first set of games, in whicheach decision includes a choice of an action from a respective set ofpossible actions that each have an effect on a respective outcome of arespective game of the first set of games; determine a first set ofrules that, when followed under the first set of circumstances, generatethe first plurality of decisions and would cause each game of the firstset of games to have the respective outcome if followed; determine asecond set of rules that may be followed when making one or moredecisions in a game, in which the one or more decisions include one ormore choices of one or more actions from a respective set of possibleactions that each would have an effect on an outcome of the game;determine a first performance metric for the first set of rules at afirst time; determine a second performance metric for the second set ofrules at the first time; present first information about the first andsecond performance metrics to a second player, in which the firstperformance metric and the second performance metric indicate arespective level of success achieved from following a respective one ofthe first set of rules and the second set of rules; and offering thesecond player a choice between having an automated gameplay follow thefirst set of rules and having the automated gameplay follow the secondset of rules.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1, in which determining thefirst performance metric includes determining a performance metricdescribing the performance of the first set of rules with respect togames played in the hour preceding the first time, in which the firstperformance metric includes a first level of success achieved fromfollowing the first set of rules during the hour.
 3. The apparatus ofclaim 1, in which presenting the first information includes: assigning afirst text identifier to the first set of rules; assigning a second textidentifier to the second set of rules; and displaying a list thatincludes the first text identifier and the second text identifier, inwhich the list is ordered based on a comparison between the firstperformance metric and the second performance metric.
 4. An apparatuscomprising: a computing device; and non-transitory medium having storedthereon a plurality of instructions that when executed by the computingdevice cause the apparatus to: receive an indication of a firstplurality of decisions made by a first player under a first set ofcircumstances in a first set of games, in which each decision includes achoice of an action from a respective set of possible actions that eachhave an effect on a respective outcome of a respective game of the firstset of games; determine a first set of rules that, when followed underthe first set of circumstances, generate the first plurality ofdecisions and would cause each game of the first set of games to havethe respective outcome if followed; determine a second set of rules thatmay be followed when making one or more decisions in a game, in whichthe one or more decisions include one or more choices of one or moreactions from a respective set of possible actions that each would havean effect on an outcome of the game; determine a first performancemetric for the first set of rules at a first time; determine a secondperformance metric for the second set of rules at the first time;present first information about the first and second performance metricsto a second player; receive, from the second player, a fourthinstruction to risk money on behalf of the second player in accordancewith a set of rules that is ranked the highest among a plurality of setsof rules that includes the first set of rules and the second set ofrules; place, at the first time and in response to determining a firstranking, a first risk of money on behalf of the second player that ismade in accordance with the first set of rules; and place, at the secondtime and in response to determining a second ranking, a second risk ofmoney on behalf of the second player that is made in accordance with thesecond set of rules.
 5. The apparatus of claim 4, in which theinstructions cause the apparatus to: determine that the first player ismaking decisions in another set of games that do not follow the firstset of rules; and in response to determining that the first player ismaking decision in another set of games that do not follow the first setof rules, ceasing to follow the first set of rules when risking money onbehalf of the second player.
 6. The apparatus of claim 4, in which theinstructions cause the apparatus to: determine that the first player ismaking decisions in another set of games that do not follow the firstset of rules; and in response to determining that the first player ismaking decision in another set of games that do not follow the first setof rules, alert the second player that the first player has changed apattern of play.
 7. The apparatus of claim 4, in which the instructionscause the apparatus to: determine that the first player is makingdecisions in another set of games that do not follow the first set ofrules but instead follow a third set of rules; and in response todetermining that the first player is making decision in another set ofgames that do not follow the first set of rules, place a third risk ofmoney on behalf of the second player that is made in accordance with thethird set of rules.
 8. A method comprising: receiving, by a computingdevice, an indication of a first plurality of decisions made by a firstplayer under a first set of circumstances in a first set of games inwhich the first player has risked money, in which each decision includesa choice of an action from a respective set of possible actions thateach have an effect on a respective outcome of a respective game of thefirst set of games; determining, by the computing device, a first set ofrules that, when followed under the first set of circumstances, generatethe first plurality of decisions and would cause each game of the firstset of games to have the respective outcome if followed; determining, bythe computing device, a second set of rules that may be followed whenmaking one or more decisions in a game, in which the one or moredecisions include one or more choices of one or more actions from arespective set of possible actions that each would have an effect on anoutcome of the game; determining, by the computing device, a firstperformance metric for the first set of rules at a first time;determining, by the computing device, a second performance metric forthe second set of rules at the first time; presenting, by the computingdevice, first information about the first and second performance metricsto a second player; receiving, by the computing device, a firstinstruction from the second player to risk money on behalf of the secondplayer during a second set of games in accordance with a set of rulesthat is ranked the highest among a plurality of sets of rules thatincludes the first set of rules and the second set of rules; generating,by the computing device in response to receiving the first instruction,a second plurality of decisions in play of the second set of games onbehalf of the second player; placing, by the computing device, at thefirst time in response to determining the first and second performancemetrics, a first risk of money on behalf of the second player that ismade in accordance with the first set of rules; and placing, by thecomputing device at the second time, in response to determining thethird and fourth performance metrics, a second risk of money on behalfof the second player that is made in accordance with the second set ofrules.
 9. The method of claim 8, comprising: receiving a request from adevice of the second player for a description of the first set of rules;and transmitting the description of the first set of rules to the deviceof the second player.
 10. The method of claim 9, comprising: receiving asecond instruction from the second player to cease following theplurality of sets of rules during play of one of the second set ofgames; receiving from the second player a third instruction detailing athird decision during the one of the second set of games, in which thethird decision does not follow a currently followed set of rules;applying the third decision to the one of the second set of games; andconducting the second set of games; in which generating the secondplurality of decisions in accordance with the first set of rulesincludes: (a) determining a risk amount in accordance with the first setof rules, (b) determining a first outcome in a game of the set of games,(c) determining a course of action to take in the game in accordancewith the first set of rules, and (d) determining a second outcome in thegame based on the first outcome and based on the course of action. 10.An apparatus comprising: a computing device; and a non-transitory mediumhaving stored thereon a plurality of instructions that when executed bythe computing device cause the apparatus to: receive an indication of afirst plurality of decisions made by a first player under a first set ofcircumstances in a first set of games in which the first player hasrisked money, in which each decision includes a choice of an action froma respective set of possible actions that each have an effect on arespective outcome of a respective game of the first set of games;determining, by the computing device, a first set of rules that, whenfollowed under the first set of circumstances, generate the firstplurality of decisions and would cause each game of the first set ofgames to have the respective outcome if followed; receiving, by thecomputing device, a request from a device of a second player for adescription of the first set of rules; receiving, by the computingdevice, a request to follow, during play of a plurality of furthergames, a portion of the first set of rules selected by the secondplayer, in which the portion is not all of the first set of rules; andfollowing, by the computing device, just the selected portion of thefirst set of rules during play of the plurality of further games onbehalf of the second player.
 11. The method of claim 10, in which theselected portion includes rules governing a play strategy and anunselected portion includes rules governing a pattern for risking money.